Annals of Precambrian lithospheric evolution and metallogeny in the Dharwar Craton, India: Recent paradigms and perspectives

Abstract

This article brings out a comprehensive overview of the scientific studies that have been executed in different parts of Dharwar Craton during last four years 2016-2020. Recent trends of research and scientific perspectives have emphasized on integrated approaches involving a wide spectrum of geochemical, isotopic and geochronological proxies to address fundamental questions in the Dharwar Craton on Precambrian evolution of the earth, episodes and mechanisms of crust generation and the mantle dynamics. The excellent preservation of Precambrian lithologies including basement gneisses, volcano-sedimentary sequences of greenstone belts, granitoid plutons, ultramafic-mafic complexes, ultrapotassic magmatism and dyke swarms in the Dharwar Craton have provided an opportunity for understanding the geodynamic transitions in the secular evolution of the Earth. A four year status report including the principal lithological associations of Dharwar Craton have been described in this communication detailing the scientific investigations and their implications are brought out under various sections. The salient aspects of the scientific contributions on granite-greenstone terranes of Dharwar Craton emphasising on geochronology, geochemistry, biogeochemical processes, geodynamics and mineralization.