Abstract
It has become clear that simple vertical tectonics do not adequately describe the tectonic evolution of many greenstone belts and that horizontal shortening played an important role in the development of these unique terranes from Earth's early history. The Fig Tree Group of the Barberton greenstone belt in South Africa has recently been interpreted, mainly by structural and stratigraphic analyses, as having been deposited in a foredeep associated with thrusting. Sandstone modal mineralogy has been shown to primarily reflect tectonic setting and prove-nance terrane. Fig Tree sandstones have framework mineralogies that fall mainly in the recycled orogen field and show an evolution consistent with interpretations of the greenstone belt that utilize petrographic and other evidence.
