Structural Geology of Robben Island: Implications for the Tectonic Environment of Saldanian Deformation

A detailed structural and lithologic analysis of Robben Island reveals that the Tygerberg Formation, part of the Neoproterozoic to early Cambrian Malmesbury Group, likely formed in a forearc or trench slope environment. The study identifies pervasive northwest-southeast striking subvertical pressure solution cleavage and upright folds with varying plunge directions, consistent with oblique transpressional strain. While the exact nature (sinistral or dextral) of this strain remains uncertain, sinistral transpression is considered more plausible due to regional geological context. This research provides new insights into the tectonic environment of the Saldanian deformation and contributes to understanding the structural history of Robben Island.

ROWE, C. D., BACKEBERG, N. R., VAN RENSBURG, T., MACLENNAN, S. A., FABER, C., CURTIS, C., & VIGLIETTI, P. A. (2010). STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY OF ROBBEN ISLAND: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE TECTONIC ENVIRONMENT OF SALDANIAN DEFORMATION. South African Journal of Geology, 113(1), 57–72. https://doi.org/10.2113/gssajg.113.1-57