Geology/Strange feature
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Question
I saw this while looking at a Google Earth view of Mozambique. I do not have a clue as to what it is or how it got there but it doesn't fit the surrounding terrain. Would you know?
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http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-16.32549,34.104622&z=11&t=h&hl=en
I believe what you are seeing is a dome formed by the emplacement of a circular granite intrusion into metasediments. It is called the Chirwa dome. The center is eroded granite, the outer upturned layers forming the circular outline are metamorphosed sediments That were deformed and upturned when the granite intrusion was pushed up from the mantle. It is Archean in age (2570 Ma or million years old). See the link below.
http://sajg.geoscienceworld.org/cgi/content/abstract/105/4/285
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Answers by Expert:
Keith Patton
Expertise
I can answer questions concerning physical and historical geology, environmental geology/hydrology, environmental consulting, remote sensing/aerial photo interpretation, G&G computer applications, petroleum exploration, drilling, geochemistry, geochemical and microbiological prospecting, 3D reservoir modeling, computer mapping and drilling.I am not a geophysicist.
Experience
I have 24 years experience split between the petroleum and environmental industries. I have served as an expert witness in remote sensing, developmental geologist, exploration geologist, enviromental project manager, and subject matter expert in geology and geophysical software development.
Organizations
American Association of Petroleum Geologists
American Association of Photogrammetrists and Remote Sensing
Education/Credentials
Bachelor and Master of Science
Registered Geologist in State of Texas
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