Abstract

Trend surface analysis (TSA) was used to investigate the structure and thickness variation pattern and to resolve trend and residual component of the structure contours and isopach maps of the Rustenburg Layered Suite (RLS) across the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC). The TSA technique was also employed in extracting meter scale structures from the regional structural trends. This enables small-scale structures that could only be picked through field mapping to be observed and scrupulously investigated. Variation in the structure and thickness was used in timing the development of some of the delineated structural features. This has helped to unravel the progressive development of structures within the RLS. The results indicate that present day structures shows slight changes in both regional and local trends throughout the stratigraphic sequence from the base of the Main Zone to the top of the Achaean floor. Structures around the gap areas are also highlighted. This paper represents the third of a three-part article in Trend Surface analysis of the three major limbs of the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC). This first part focused on the Northern Bushveld Complex, while the second part focused on the Eastern Bushveld Limbs.

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