Reconstruction of the Kenorland supercontinent in the Neoarchean based on paleomagnetic and geological data

Abstract

Based on a new method of paleomagnetic data analysis, a reconstruction of the Kaapvaal, Karelian, Pilbara, and Superia cratons in the Neoarchean was tested. The most likely positions of these cratons within the Kenorland supercontinent, which existed in the Neoarchean, have been proposed. New paleomagnetic data obtained on the basis of the Neoarchean complexes allowed the motion of cratons to be calculated at 4–9 cm per year. The paleomagnetic reconstruction is in good agreement with the structural-geological peculiarities of the coeval complexes.