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Lithostratigraphy, deformation history, and tectonic evolution of the

basement rocks, Republic of Yemen: An overview

Article in Arabian Journal of Geosciences · May 2013

DOI: 10.1007/s12517-013-0951-0

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Arab J Geosci
DOI 10.1007/s12517-013-0951-0

ORIGINAL PAPER

Lithostratigraphy, deformation history, and tectonic

evolution of the basement rocks, Republic of Yemen:
an overview
Mohamed Th. S. Heikal & Salah A. Al-Khirbash &
Adel M. Hassan & Ahmed M. Al-Kotbah &
Khaled M. Al-Selwi

Received: 24 March 2012 / Accepted: 15 April 2013

# Saudi Society for Geosciences 2013

Abstract Basement rocks of presumed Precambrian age, in field and space image data, the basement rocks in Yemen
Yemen Republic (105,000 km2), are exposed in the north- exhibit at least six major phases of deformation (D1 to D6)
western and southeastern parts of the country. The basement including intensive brittle and ductile deformations that
rocks of southern Saudi Arabia and northern parts of Yemen trend NW–SE and NNE–SSW (in major). Neoarchean rocks
are almost continuous and similar in the lithostratigraphic are well developed and restricted in the southeastern expo-
succession. In spite of the presence of such common basic sures (Al Bayda, Al Mahfid, and Al Mukalla terranes),
characteristics for each, there are slight differences of local whereas the final Pan-African cratonization of several rock
structural framework and major tectonic events. The struc- units is widespread on all terranes, in which the major
tural complexity, great variety of rock units and types, multi- tectonic events and deformation history were concentrated
intrusive environments, and multiplicity of metamorphic during pre-Pan-African and early to late Pan-African orog-
events in the study basement rocks make the main target enies. A correlation and evolution of the Precambrian rocks
of lithostratigraphic analyses, in particular, daunting in the in Saudi Arabia and Egypt are taken into consideration.
southern Arabian Shield. As reported here, accepting that
the southern shield consists of five terranes and suture zones Keywords Archean–Proterozoic . Lithostratigraphy .
requires a limitation of such tectonic modifications. This led Tectonism . Yemen
to the renaming of certain formations and groups and the
revision of the lithostratigraphic successions for some re-
gions. As a result, new lithostratigraphic relationships and Introduction
names as well as tectonic events are proposed. Based on
The Arabian–Nubian Shield is part of the East African Orogen
M. T. S. Heikal (*) formed by plate tectonic accretionary events during the clo-
Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, sure of Mozambique Ocean and subsequent collision of east
Tanta 31527, Egypt and west Gondwana at about 540 Ma (Stern 1994; Johnson et
e-mail: mtheikal@tu.edu.eg
al. 1996; Whitehouse et al. 2001; Kusky et al. 2003; Johnson
S. A. Al-Khirbash (*) and Woldehaimanot 2003; Stern and Johnson 2010).
Department of Earth Science, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos Four and a half decades have elapsed the appearance of the
University, Muscat, Oman first realistic and applicable details of the rock units forming
e-mail: khirbash@squ.edu.om
the basement rocks in Yemen (Greenwood and Bleackley
A. M. Hassan 1967; Grolier and Overstreet 1978). The authors feel it is duty
Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Teba University, and right to revise its synthesis and present a documentation of
El Madenia El Menwra, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia how exactly it was founded, verified, and tested throughout a
A. M. Al-Kotbah : K. M. Al-Selwi
period of 45 years that have seen a great revolution in geo-
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty logical thoughts. Traditionally, the basement rocks of Yemen
of Science, Sana’a University, Sana’a, Yemen (Fig. 1) are thought as a part of the Proterozoic Arabian–
 Arab J Geosci

Nubian Shield which covers Northeast Africa and the Arabian metasediments conveys the intense deformations that have
Peninsula (Stoeser and Camp 1985; Heikal 1987; Sakran affected these rocks, where intense faulting, folding, and
1993; Ba-Bttat 1991; Whitehouse et al. 1993, 1998, 2001; deformational phases have been observed on these rocks.
Windley et al. 1996; As-Saruri and Wiefel 2012; Leroy et al. The more detailed studies concerned with the structural
2012). Windley et al. (1996) classified and identified four elements and fracture system and fluid flow implications
gneissic terrains, namely, Asir, Afif, Abas, and Al Mahfid, in the Proterozoic basement of Yemen are given by As-
and two island arcs, Al Bayda and Al Mukalla. Saruri and Wiefel (1998) and Le Garzic et al. (2011).
Comprehensive studies on the basement rocks of Yemen In general, the structural framework of Yemen is charac-
have been done by few authors (Heikal 1987; Ba-Bttat terized by Late Archean–Proterozoic basement fault blocks
1991; Al-Kotbah 1992; Sakran 1993; Whitehouse et al. transected by the NW–SE trending Jurassic–Cretaceous
1993; Windley et al. 1996; Al-Khirbash et al. 2001, 2008; intracratonic rift system of the Ramlat As-Sab'atayn graben,
Al-Selwi 2005; Naman 2010; As-Saruri and Wiefel 2012) bounded to the south and the west by Tertiary, to present
on such excellent exposures, Hajjah, Al Bayda, Mukairas, day, the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea rift system (i.e.,
Haifan, Mudiyah–Mukalla, and Eastern Aden areas Robertson Group 1992; Al-Kotbah 1996; Windley et al.
(Shabwa and SW Hadramawt), that reflect a clean picture 1996; Heikal et al. 2006).
to deduce in good agreement for integrating classification It is now suitable to look into successions of the
and lithostratigraphy of the basement rocks in Yemen. lithostratigraphic units of basement rocks in the present work.
Most recent work (As-Saruri and Wiefel 2012) studied These units (Table 1) are distinguished and named in accor-
and subdivided the intrusive rocks in the Mudiyah–Mukalla dance with the North American Stratigraphic Code (North
area into four tectonic stages: the anatectic stage (Ahwar American Commission on Stratigraphic Nomenclature
Supergroup), the syntectonic stage (Gharish Supergroup), 2005). On the other hand, the present authors suggested
the post-tectonic stage (Tha'lab Group), and the late orogen- subdividing the basement rocks of Yemen into two main
ic stage (Ghabar Group). In addition, by age determinations geographic categories, the southeastern exposures and the
(K/Ar) of several samples from Mudiyah–Al Mukalla base- northwestern ones, which collectively reflect the whole pic-
ment rocks, Windley et al. (1996) recorded an age of 3.03– ture of the integrated lithostratigraphy of the basement rocks
2.73 and 2.5–1.2 Ga for Ahwar and Gharish Supergroups, of Yemen (Table 1).
respectively, that are distributed in Al Mahfid and Al Bayda The southeastern exposures of the basement rocks of
terranes. Sassi et al. (1993) recorded an age of 700–640 for Yemen include four terranes, namely, Abas and Al Mahfid
the island arc metavolcanics (Tha'lab Group) in Al Mukalla gneiss terranes and Al Bayda and Al Mukalla island arc
area. terranes (Windley et al. 1996), which represent the most
The purpose of the present study is an attempt to establish favorable, complicated, and deformed rocks in terms of
the space and relative time relationships among the base- lithology and structural implications than those found in
ment rocks in Yemen and thereby classify and identify the the northern areas in which they are different in lithology
deformational phases in combination with the tectonic and age.
events of these rocks and the regions in which they occur. Al Mahfid gneiss terrane (2,900–2,550 Ma; Ba-Bttat
In addition, the correlation of the Precambrian rocks in 1991; Whitehouse et al. 2001) constitutes infracrustal
Northeast Africa (Egypt) and Saudi Arabia is taken into (continental) rocks. This group comprises Late Archean to
consideration. But, in fact, revising lithostratigraphy is a Late Proterozoic ortho- and paragneisses and migmatites (in
complicated task that involves weighing up the relative major) (Fig. 2a–c) and amphibolites, banded metataxite
merits and reliabilities of geologic sources of new geologic migmatites, anatectic granites, and mylonites (in part).
concepts and tectonic events that are beyond the scope of These rocks are also found in Lawdar and Shabwa, where
this work. they are exposed as NE–SW refolded and faulted sheets.
Previously known Aden Metamorophic Group (Greenwood
and Bleackley 1967) is partly included in this terrane.
Lithostratigraphy and structural framework Ahwar–Gharish Supergroup is ranging in age from
Paleoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic (3.03–1.2 Ga; Schramm
The basement rocks of Yemen (105,000 km2) comprise et al. 1986; Windley et al. 1996). They comprise highly
distinguished rock units in the form of belts and terranes, metamorphosed gneisses up to upper amphibolite facies and
extending from the north to the south and from the northeast show irregular folding and boudinage and subjected to
to the southeast (Fig. 1). The structural framework is con- monoclinal and sigmodial folding (As-Saruri and Wiefel
sidered to be a more realistic manner, as the most effective 2012). They include five groups that belong to both Al
part of the geological fabric of the basement areas. A mere Mahfid (most of Ahwar) and Al Bayda (most of Gharish)
glance at some exposures (Fig. 2a–d) of gneisses and terranes (see Table 1).
Arab J Geosci

Hooth
X

X
X
Ring Complexes

Fig. 1 Basement outcrop distribution map showing the delineation of Arabia (a) and northern Somalia(b) (after Windley et al. 1996;
infracrustal gneisses and island arc terranes as well as intraplate ring Whitehouse et al. 2001; and Gameil and Heikal 2005)
complexes correlated to adjacent areas in the southern parts of Saudi

Al Bayda island arc terrane (2,500–2,000 Ma; after of 520–560 Ma (Greenwood and Bleackley 1967; Sassi et
Windley et al. 1996) is composed of supracrustal rocks (main- al. 1993). It was first named by Beydoun (1964) and consists
ly of ophiolitic signature) and includes granitoids (2.5–2.0 Ga; of four formations giving rise to slight metamorphosed mo-
Whitehouse et al. 1993), ophiolitic sequence of medium grade lasse sediments with minor volcanics. These formations con-
metamorphism, as well as intrusive rocks of granodiorite, sist of well-bedded sandy dolomites, calcareous quartzite,
diorite, gabbros, and late tectonic granites (Sakran 1993; Al- platy shale, conglomerates, limestones, chert and tuffaceous
Khirbash et al. 2001). Fahman, Al Aswad, and Hatib groups sediments, as well as crystal-and-lithic tuffs giving rise to
of As-Saruri and Wiefel (2012) Gharish Supergroup mostly molasse facies. These rocks have formed during post-rift in
belong to this terrane, as mentioned above. an island arc(s) setting (Greenwood and Bleackley 1967).
Tha'lab Group (syn-rift volcanics) of Neoproterozoic age Ataq–Mudiyah–Al Mukalla late to post-tectonic granite
which was first named and defined by Beydoun (1964) is suite is well defined in Mudiyah–Al Mukalla and Ataq areas
exposed over extensive areas in Wadi Hajr about 8 km north (Figs. 2e and 3i), comprising syenogranites associated with
of Ma'abir Tha'lab (Hadramawt Province) notably at Zulm alkali feldspar granites and alkali amphibole-bearing gran-
Ba Tha'lab, after which was named. They consist of thick ites that are emplaced in three tectonic stages on both island
lava flows including andesites, keratophyres, alkali rhyo- arc and intraplate tectonic setting (Flowerdew et al. 2008;
lites, and less common trachytes. These rocks have been As-Saruri and Wiefel 2012; and the present study).
formed during syn-rift volcanic and predated Ghabar Group. The northwestern exposures of the basement rocks of
The Ghabar Group is located in Wadi Ghabar and Wadi Yemen are pertaining to Asir Terrane. These include Hajjah
Minhamir, west of Mukalla, and represents an average age Group (235 km2), first named by Heikal (1987) and Noweir et
 Arab J Geosci

Fig. 2 a–e Field photographs

showing field observations of
some basement rocks in Yemen.
a Space image showing high-
grade gneiss intersliced by a
major strike-slip fault indicating
left lateral shear sense of
movement (arrows) (Al Bayda
area). b Bold exposures of Late
Archean gneisses lying across
5Km
switchback, Mukairas area, Al a b
Mahfid terrane. c Typical
exposure of gneiss. The
foliation is shown by
discontinuous layers of dark-
and light-colored minerals, Al-
Bayda area, Al Bayda terrane.
d An exposure of foliated
metasediments. They are an
impure marbles, where the
foliation is parallel to the
bedding. The light-colored
quartz fish tail indicates right c d
lateral shear sense of
movement, Ain Ali village,
Hajjah area, the northern
exposure. e A roof pendant of
amphibolites (arrows) adjacent
to the upper part of granite
pluton, Balhaf-Al Mukalla
road, the Al Mukalla terrane

al. (1994). It is represented by regionally metamorphosed and marble (Fig. 2d) indicating calcareous, siliceous, and
sediments and volcanics. It comprises two distinct formations, pelitic origin.
named Ain Ali Formation and Mawr Formation. The Ain Ali The sam metagabbro–diorite complex (old gabbros) was
Formation (25 km2) is the lowermost rock unit in the Hajjah first named by Heikal (1987) and Noweir et al. (1994). It
Group and forms irregular elongated outcrops showing an composed mainly of metgabbros together with diorite and
eroded relatively small anticline. It consists mainly of low- mafic schist. These rocks are also well defined around
grade metasediments, including plitic schist, marble, and Sabah village in Al Bayda area.
quartzite. It possesses a structural contact with the upper At-Tur syntectonic granites (after At-Tur village, Hajjah
Mawr Formation. area) include monzogranite, granodiorite, tonalite, and quartz
The Mawr Formation (210 km2) is the uppermost rock unit diorite association. Exfoliation, cavernous structure, and sphe-
within the Hajjah Group and named after Wadi Mawr. It roidal landforms characterize its geomorphic appearance.
consists mainly of mafic metavolcanics, amphibolites, and These rocks are well exposed in Sa'dah and Al Bayda areas
hornfelses and is characterized by strong foliation trending (Geomin 1985; Sakran 1993; Beydoun et al. 1998). Denèle et
NE and NW. On the basis of their geochemical signatures, al. (2012) studied the age dating of some basement rocks
these rocks originated from a transitional calc-alkaline to exposed in Socotra Island which belongs to the southern rifted
tholeiitic magma and seem to be found in a mature island margin of the Gulf of Aden and occupied, in Neoproterozoic
arc setting (Aly and Heikal 1991). These rock assemblages are times, a key position to constrain the age and the nature of the
also found in Sa'dah (Asir Terrane) and Marib areas (Abas largely hidden Neoproterozoic rocks of the Arabian plate.
Terrane) that form island arcs of metavolcanics including Their geochronological studies (U-Pb data) of the syntectonic
metabasalts, metaandesites, metadacites, and their associated granites showed that felsic intrusions mainly composed of
metatuffs, whereas metasediments include graphite schist, calc-alkaline and pinkish granites dated between 840 and
hornblende schist, biotite–muscovite schist, metagreywacke, 780 Ma. On the other hand, Whitehouse et al. (2012)
Arab J Geosci

concluded that the earliest arc magmatism in the Socotra Structures in these rocks comprise convolute and ptygmatic
basement was at about 870–860 Ma, most magmatic intru- folding and swirling pattern, and axes of minor folds of
sions occurred at about 800 Ma, and the late granitic intrusive migmatitic relics trend NNE.
phase (Hadibo K feldspar granite) was at about 720 Ma. The second phase of deformation, D2, is related to thrust
La'ah young gabbros (after Wadi La'ah, Hajjah area), structures. It most probably occurred during early Pan-
first named by Heikal (1987) and Noweir et al. (1994), African and is dominated by compression, refolding (F2),
comprises unmetamorphosed calc-akaline to mild alka- and strike-slip faulting (Fig. 2a) related to early Najd Fault
line gabbros and norites in the form of small hillocks System (NFS) (e.g., Nehlig et al. 2002). The island arc
and cones. These rocks are also found in Al Bayda area development causes refolding and remobilization of the
(Sakran 1993). infracrustal rocks and thrusting of the newly formed oceanic
Late to post-tectonic granite suite is pertaining to crust and island arcs on the regional scale. In most tectonic
Ataq–Mudiyah–Al Mukalla granite suite. They embrace units, the thrusting was accompanied by mesoscopic struc-
many plutons of island arcs to intraplate tectonic set- tures such as recumbent, chevern, and overturned folds
tings. They comprise more fractionated granitic masses (Fig. 3b–c). In addition, deformed prophyroclasts, S-C fab-
of monzogranite, syenogranites, alkali feldspar granites, rics, and σσ are toward NNE. In addition, the field data
and finally amphibole-bearing granites. This rock suite collected from Al Bayda rocks and Al Aswad Group (Al
is situated in Hajjah and Sa'dah areas (Geomin 1985; Bayda terrane) (Sakran 1993; Al-Khirbash et al. 2001; As-
Heikal 1987) and around Al-Hikhel town in Al Bayda Saruri and Wiefel 2012) indicated that this belt is an island
area (Sakran 1993; Al-Khirbash et al. 2001; As-Saruri arc that is sutured to the adjacent Al Mahfid gneiss terrane
and Wiefel 2012). by an oblique continental collision that took place at about
Hooth ring complex and new volcanics, first named by 760 Ma (Whitehouse et al. 1998,2001).
Gameil and Heikal (2005), represent the final phase of The third phase, D3, is probably of late Pan-African,
tectonism, after unconformity episode, giving rise to syenit- related to wrenching tectonics. It is dominated by major
ic composition of alkaline nature that evolved within intra- sinistral strike-slip and dextral strike-slip faults which trend
plate environment. Other ring complexes comprise NW–SE (in major) and is related to movement along the
syenites, and carbonatites are well recognized in the NFS. These faults were accompanied by mesoscopic struc-
areas toward SW Taiz town (Fig. 1). Also, new volca- tures such as kink folds, Z-folds (F3), boudinage structures,
nics including trachyte plugs and ring dikes that are quartz σ-type object, and dynamic recrystallization (Fig. 3d,
dominantly alkaline in nature are well preserved along e). Cratonization of the accreted old continental and
strike-slip faults passing through SW Taiz. ophiolitic island arc (Abas and Al Bayda) terranes onto the
On the basis of field data and tentative chronological newly formed craton is well developed. It concludes that the
sequence as well as geochemical interpretation (Heikal deformation phases D2 and D3 represent wrenching (strike-
1987; Ba-Bttat 1991, 1993; Sakran 1993; Whitehouse et slip faults only) followed by transpression (strike-slip faults
al. 1998; Al-Khirbash et al. 2001; As-Saruri and Wiefel plus thrusts) ending by wrenching.
2012), the classification of the basement rocks of The fourth deformation D4 is of brittle structure in the
Yemen can be reconstructed as in Table 1. basement complex in Yemen (Abas terrane). It is represent-
ed by major and minor normal faults that are trending NE–
SW and less commonly NW–SE and NNE–SSW and NNE.
Deformation history These faults are accompanied by mesoscopic structures such
as local shear zones, graben and horse blocks, mega and
In order to visualize a framework for deformation history of minor joints, and quartz veins (Fig. 3f–h).
the above two terranes and based on structural data and Deformation phase (D5) evolved during post-thrust,
space images, it is clear that the presumed Precambrian belts characterized by compression only giving rise to major
in Yemen have evolved through six deformational phases and minor folds (F5) which are trending NNW and NNE
(D1–D6). (Hajjah area, Asir Terrane) (Fig. 3i). These folds were
The first phase of deformation, D1, is considered to be accompanied by foliation and mineral lineations. This event
pre-Pan-African (pre-thrust) and is dominated by regional also marked rifting giving rise to extrusion of syn-rift vol-
isoclinal major and minor parallel folds (F1) (Fig. 3a), re- canics that are weakly to unmetamorphosed calc-alkaline
gional schistosity, and gneissosity (S1, Fig. 2c), where the arc, followed by the titling to drastic folding of Ghabar
rocks were formed principally of granitic gneisses and Group (post-rift), giving rise to the tectonic depressions
migmatites. The migmatites occur as preserved in Al and down faulted blocks marked by the present exposures
Bayda, Mukairas, and Mudiyah–Mukalla areas (Ahwar of the Ghabar Group. This is in good agreement with As-
Supergroup, Al Mahfid gneiss terrane, in major). Saruri and Wiefel (2012).
 Arab J Geosci

Table 1 Integrated lithostratigraphy of the basement rock units of Yemen and their tectonic events

ROCK UNITS TECTONIC Youngest

EVENTS
Hooth Ring Complex & New Volcanics Intra-Plate
Magmatism
----------- Unconformity---------
Ataq-Mudiyah-Al-Mukalla Late-to-Post Tectonic
Granites Suite
Highly fractionated granites Transition from
<600 Ma, ages for some of the Al-Mukalla intrusions Island Arc to
(Flowerdew et al. 2008) Intra-Plate
Al-Hikhel post tectonic Magmatism
La'ah Young Gabbros: Un-metamorphosed gabbros
and norites
Socotra Late-tectonic granites (780 Ma; Denèle et al.
2012)
Ghabar Group
Unmetamorphosed sediments, volcanics and tuffacous
sediments.
Harut Formation
Khablah Formation
Shabb Formation Island Arc(s)
Minhamir Formation
Tha'lab Group (700-640 Ma; Sassi et al. 1993) (Syn-
rift Volcanics)
(part of Al-Mukalla Island arc Terrane)
Regional Unconformity and Collisional Orogenis (D5-D6)
At-Tur Syntectonic Granites
Socotra Syntectonic granites (840 Ma; Denèle et al.
2012)
Hadibo Late granite (720 Ma; Whitehouse et al. 2012)
Sam Metagabbros-Diorite Complex Magmatism
(Old Gabbros)

Al-Mukalla Island arc Terrane:

tuffs, rhyolites, porphyry lavas, and basalts that are
intruded by granitoid plutons and mafic dikes (Windley
et al. 1996)

Al-Bayda Island arc Terrane:

Successive emplacement and/ or obduction of
ophiolitic assemblages including ultramafic relics,
serpentinites, metagabbros, pillow lavas of spilites and
chert nodules
Arab J Geosci

Table 1 (continued)

(2500-2000 Ma; Windley et al. 1996) Island arcs

Ahwar-Gharish Supergroup (partly)

Hatib Group (metasedimnts and metavolcanics up to
epidote-amphibolite facies)

Al-Aswad Group (metasdiments, intrusive and volcanic

rocks)
Fahman Group (high to medium grade metamorphic
rocks)
Barak Group( metamorphosed volcano-sedimentary
rocks)
(after As-Saruri &Wiefel 2012)
Complex Deformation (D1-D4) and Regional Metamorphism
Asir Terrane
Hajjah Metamorphic Group:
Ain Ali Formation: Metasediments including
calcareous, pelitic and siliceous rocks. Back arc basin/
Mawr Formation: Metavolcanics including mafic, felsic Island arcs
and intermediate varieties
Abas Gneiss Terrane:
orthogneisses containing
rhyolites, schists,
amphibolites, tuffs, marbles
(model age: 2.3–1.3 Ga; Windley et al. 1996).

Al-Mahfid Gneiss Terrane:

Infracrustal
Ortho-and-para gneisses, migmatites, mylonites and
Rocks
amphibolites
(2.9-2.55 Ga; Whitehouse et al. 2001)
Shu’ab (Socotra) gneisses and migmatites (Whitehouse
et al. 2012)
Ahwar-Gharish Supergroup (after As-Saruri &Wiefel
2012) (3.03-2.73 and 2.5-1.2 Ga; Windley et al. 1996)
Khashab Group (High grade metamorphic rocks) Oldest

Deformation phase (D6) evolved during the final episodic syenitic composition (Gameil and Heikal 2005) together
span of deformation history in Hajjah, Sa'dah, Marib, and with corresponding alkaline volcanics and their pyroclastics,
SW Taiz areas, in which there are some exposures of the if present, and carbonatites due to the rifting of the East
basement rocks (ring complexes and carbonatites). This African rift system.
phase is characterized by rifting, extrusion of alkaline plu- The deduced six deformation phases and their relations to
tonic and volcanic rocks, and ring complexes related to metamorphism and orogenies are strongly confirmed with
extension besides folding of Ghabar Group with fold axis major lithologies and structures of the basement rocks in
trending ENE–WSW to E–W and considered as extension- Yemen. Thrusting accompanied with folding played an im-
related fold. In addition, local dilatory, strike-slip faults and portant role in the structural configuration of the southerastern
rift affect the epeirogenic uplift of the new ring complexes of exposures of the basement rocks (in major) and the northern
 Arab J Geosci

ones (in part). The structures–metamorphism–orogenies inter- The tectonic evolution starts with the development of con-
relationship indicates that most rock units were extremely tinental rocks (pre-Pan-African event, pre-thrust event). They
active and dynamic all over its tectono-magmatic history include Late Archean–Late Proterozoic mylonites, ortho- and
during early and late Pan-African Orogenies. paragneisses, diatexite and metatexite migmatites, and
amphibolits that are well recognized in the southeastern expo-
sures (in major), particularly around Al Bayda, Lawdar–
Tectonic evolution Mudiyah, Haifan (SE Taiz), and Mudiyah–Al Mukalla areas
(Beydoun 1964; Greenwood and Bleackley 1967; Ba-Bttat
The tectonic events of the basement rocks of Yemen are 1991; Sakran 1993; Al-Khirbash et al. 2001; Al-Selwi 2005;
highly defined topics such as particulars of the pre- to Pan- Naman 2010; As-Saruri and Wiefel 2012). In addition, minor
African event and/or the direction of transport of thrust exposures of these rocks including synkinametic granitoids,
units. These rocks have endured the following indisputable ortho- and paragneisses, and amphibolites that occurred in
principal phases of movements, subsequent to the forma- Sa'dah area (Geomin 1985) and possibly in the Socotra
tions of the arc system. (Shu’ab) gneisses and migmatites (Whitehouse et al. 2012).

a b

c d

e f

Fig. 3 a–i Field photographs showing some minor structures related to Mukalla road. f Local shear zone (D4) represented by a competent
deformational phases. a Intrafolia isoclinal folds (D1) related to layer affected by more or less twisted lamellae indicating sinistral sense
migmatitic gneiss, Al Bayda town. b Iron ore exposure hosted by of movement, Al Bayda town. g Basaltic dikes lying across a small-
volcano-sedimentary assemblages, showing recumbent chevern fold scale normal fault (D4) with displacement about 40 cm, downthrown to
(D2) with horizontal axial plane (ENE), Sabah village, SE Al Bayda the right, Wadi Mawr, Hajjah area. h domino structure extensional fault
area. c Tight intrafolia minor folds (F1) refolded by an open folds (F2) system; note the sense of shear on the microfault in quartz. It is
in migmatitic gneiss, Al Mahfid area. d Z-fold and overturned folds opposite to that of the shear zone, indicating right lateral shear (D4),
formed during progressive shearing (D3). They display left lateral Balhaf-Al Mukalla road. i Relict isoclinal fold of syenogranites related
shear sense movement, Al Bayda town. e Quartz fish in granites to late tectonic granitoids, (D5) Ataq–Al Saeed road, Al Mukalla
indicating right lateral strike-slip fault of movement, Balhaf-Al terrane
Arab J Geosci

g h

Fig. 3 (continued)

The second event of the tectonic evolution (syn-thrust correlated with ancient volcano-sedimentary rocks of
event) reflects the development of the island arc tectonism Southern Saudi Arabia (Greenwood et al. 1976; Heikal
(supracrustal rocks); this is well clarified to the rifting of the 1987; Noweir et al. 1994; Nehlig et al. 2002). Both
Al-Sawadia (Abas of Windley et al. 1996) old continents in metasediments and metavolcanics may represent the
Al Bayda area that was leading to the formation of the southern continuation of 950- to 800-Ma-old magmatic
intracratonic basin including slightly metamorphosed and sedimentary rocks which are well exposed in Hajjah
ophiolitic rocks (ultramafic relics and their serpentinites, and Sa'dah areas at the northwestern exposures and
metagabbros, pillowed lavas of spiltites and cherty nodules), Mudiyah–Al Mukalla area at the southeastern exposures
now represent remnants of the oceanic crust as tectonic of basement rocks as well as in Asir Terrane in the
mélange (Al-Khirbash et al. 2001; Whitehouse et al. 1998, southern parts of Saudi Arabia (Geomin 1985; Stoeser
2001). This event extends from pre-Pan-African to late Pan- and Camp 1985; Heikal 1987). This tectonic event is
African orogeny. Accretion processes during this tectonic followed by complex deformation and regional meta-
event led to the formation of old continental rocks separated morphism up to the epidote–amphibolite facies.
by highly deformed zone of ophiolites and island arc as- The fourth tectonic event (post-thrust) represented by
semblages (suture zones). cratonization tends to be multi-intrusions of syntectonic calc-
The third tectonic event related to Pan-African orog- alkaline plutonites, including metagabbro–diorite complex
eny is characterized by highly varied assemblages of (older gabbros) followed closely by the syntectonic granites,
metamorphosed sediments and volcanics come to con- mainly granodiorite and tonalite, is well established in Hajjah
stitute the arc system. These are subdivided broadly into area (Asir Terrane) and some occurrences in the southeastern
metasediments that were deposited in continental shelf exposures (Abas and Al Bayda terranes) (Greenwood and
environment, most probably a back-arc basin and Bleackley 1967; Heikal 1987; Sakran 1993). Then, subse-
metavolcanics of different compositions related to prim- quent collision of arc–arc and/or arc–continent (referred to
itive ensimatic island arcs. These assemblages can be deformation phases of Hajjah and Al Bayda areas) had
 Arab J Geosci

brought considerable crustal shortening, simultaneously the of Wadi Araba at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba in the north
oceanic lithosphere underlying both island arc(s) and adjacent to the highlands of Asir and Yemen in the south. From the
marginal basins. highlands of Yemen southwards to the Gulf of Aden Coast,
Collisional orogensis and regional unconformity produced the basement rocks are patchy covered by Phanerozoic
are leading to late episode of folding and thrusting, marked by sediments and volcanics.
overturning folding of the syn-rift volcanics and Indeed, the first systematic account of the Precambrian
unmetamorphosed sedimentary–volcaniclastic rocks (Ghabar basement rocks of Yemen was that by Greenwood and
Group) of syn-rift and post-rift, respectively, followed by Bleackley (1967). The comprehensive studies including de-
emplacement of unmetamorphosed massive to layered gabbros tailed field mapping and mineralogical and geochemical as
pertaining to younger gabbros, followed by late tectonic gran- well as structural interpretations of the basement rocks were
itoids (calc-alkaline to mild alkaline), range in composition done by Heikal (1987), Ba-Bttat (1991), Al-Kotbah (1992),
from monzogranites to alkali feldspar granites. These expo- Sakran (1993), Al-Khirbash et al. (2001), Al-Selwi (2005),
sures are well defined in Al Bayda, Hajjah, Sa'dah, Ataq, and Naman (2010), and As-Saruri and Wiefel (2012). They
Al Mukalla areas (As-Saruri and Wiefel 2012). constructed the backbone of lithostratigraphic successions
Therefore, the Pan-African cratonization (about 800 to and their tectonic events. This work is unique in showing
680 Ma) (after Nehlig et al. 2002) of the terranes appears to details of rock successions and their tectonic events in com-
have evolved in an intra-oceanic island arc and its associated pliance with the North American Stratigraphic Code (North
back-arc environment of coeval volcanism and co-magmatic American Commission on Stratigraphic Nomenclature 2005)
plutonism of calc-alkaline to alkaline within plate governing the establishing of new names.
magmatism (Heikal 1987; Noweir et al. 1994; Whitehouse Beydoun et al. (1998) stated that “the basement rocks of
et al. 2001). Yemen include Late Archean to Proterozoic gneissic terranes
The final tectonic event (post-thrust) is characterized by and island arc terranes as well as suture zones, Yemen thus
emplacement of such alkaline granites (post-tectonic granit- provides the link between the arc collage of the Arabian
oids) including alkali amphibole-bearing granites and quartz Shield and the gneissic Mozambique Belt of East Africa.”
syenites, ring complexes, and carbonatites as well as the The present work tends to deal with matters deduced
new volcanics along strike-slip faults which are considered from the ground data besides space images to verify and
to represent differences of mantle-derived oceanic island revise the published data concerning the basement rocks of
type basaltic liquids (OIB source), which are also typical Yemen. The present integrated and revised lithostratigraphic
of anorogenic rift zone, as are well established in Hooth and successions supported by a few absolute age determinations
SW Taiz areas (Fig. 1). (Ba-Bttat 1991; Whitehouse et al. 1998, 2001; Stern et al.
In summary, three tectonic stages reveal the petrogenesis of 2004; Denèle et al. 2012; Whitehouse et al. 2012) of the
the late to post-tectonic granites. They include island arc stage basement complex of Yemen provide realistic and signifi-
that involves the subduction of an oceanic crust beneath a cant contributions compared to previous works mentioned
continental one, the early anorogenic stage (post-collisional) by many workers (e.g., Greenwood and Bleackley 1967;
that emplaced at the end of Pan-African Orogeny, and then the Grolier and Overstreet 1978; Geomin 1985; Robertson
late anorogenic stage (rifting) that represents the final stage of Group 1992; Windley et al. 1996; Beydoun et al. 1998).
the Neoprotrozoic crustal evolution in Yemen indicating Briefly, the revised and integrated lithostratigraphy of the
peralkaline granites and ring complexes. basement rocks of Yemen can be subdivided from older to
younger into: infracrustal rocks (including gneisses and
migmaties), ophiolite and island arc rocks (including
Conclusions metasediments, metavolcanics), the syntectonic calc-
alkaline plutonites including metagabbros (old gabbros)
The Arabian side of the Arabian–Nubian Shield has been and the syntectonic granites, followed by the rift groups
subjected to many investigations by numerous workers, (including the syn-rift old volcanics) and post-rift Ghabar
particularly in Egypt and Saudi Arabia (e.g., Stoeser and Group, late to post-plutonites including young gabbros and
Camp 1985; Akaad 1996; Akaad and Abu El Ela 2002; late to post-tectonic granites, and then ended by the ring
Nehlig et al. 2002; Stern et al. 2004). They have focused complexes and new volcanics. These rock successions have
the attention on the role of tectonic events and models much more resemblance to those found in Asir Terrane,
during Precambrian age. South Saudi Arabia and central Eastern Desert of Egypt
The Precambrian rocks are extensively exposed in the (Akaad 1996; Akaad and Abu El Ela 2002; Nehlig et al.
Arabian Shield which constitutes the eastern half of the once 2002; Stern et al. 2004).
continuous Arabo-Nubian Shield, now divided by the Red The present authors have compiled and revised many pub-
Sea rift. Continuous exposures occur from the southern part lished data concerning the Precambrian rocks of Yemen and
Arab J Geosci

adjacent areas, and then, they subdivided the Arabian Shield Aly SM, Heikal MTHS (1991) Petrochemistry and tectonic interpreta-
tion of some metavolcanics (Mawr Formation) of Hajjah district,
of Yemen into a number of accreted arc terranes and inter-arc
Yemen Republic, Egypt. Miner 3:199–211
suture zones based on new field data, previous geochemical As-Saruri MA, Wiefel H (1998) The lithological-structural provinces
interpretations, and age determinations as well as structural of the basement in the central region of southwestern Arabian
implications (see Fig. 1). Peninsula. Z Geol Wiss Berl 26(5/6):531–541
As-Saruri MA, Wiefel H (2012) The lithostratigraphic subdivision of the
Arc accretion and cratonization of the Arabian Shield of
Proterozoic basement rocks of the Mudiyah-Mukalla area, Yemen.
Yemen produced old gneisses and molasses basins (Ghabar Arab J Geosci 5(5):1127–1150. doi:10.1007/s12517-011-0295-6
Group) as those found in Asir Terrane of Saudi Arabia (e.g., Ba-Bttat MA (1991) Geology, petrochemistry and tectonics of the
Stoeser and Camp 1985; Whitehouse et al. 2001; Nehlig et al. Lawdar-Mudiyah area, Abyan Province, Republic of Yemen.
Ph.D. Thesis, University of Leicester, UK, 241 p
2002; Johnson and Kattan 2008) and gneisses and migmatites,
Ba-Bttat MA (1993) Geology of the Lowder-Mudiah area, Yemen. In:
Dokhan volcanics, as well as Hammamat Group of south and Abbate E, Sagri M, Sassi FP (eds) Geology and mineral resources
central Eastern Desert of Egypt (e.g., Akaad 1996; Akaad and of Somalia and surrounding regions. 1st Agron Oltemare, Firenze,
Abu El Ela 2002; Johnson et al. 2011). Relaz. Monogr 113:143–152
Beydoun ZR (1964) The stratigraphy and structure of Eastern Aden
Although there are similar common basic features, as
Protectorate. Overseas Geology and Mineral Resources Bulletin
mentioned earlier, between the basement rocks of Yemen Supplement 5 HM 50. 1–107 pp
and those found in the Asir Terrane in the southern parts of Beydoun ZR, As-Saruri M, El-Nakhal H, Al-Ganad IN, Baraba' RS,
the Saudi Arabian Shield as well as with most of the base- Nani AO, Al-Aawah MH (1998) International lexicon of stratig-
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No. 34. 245 p
Egypt, there are some differences in their lithology and Denèle Y, Leroy S, Pelleter E, Pik R, Talbot J-Y, Khanbari K
tectonic evolution (i.e., Akaad 1996; Genna et al. 2002). (2012) The Cryogenian arc formation and successive high-K
The geological evolution of the Yemeni Precambrian calc alkaline plutons of Socotra Island (Yemen). Arab J Geosci
terranes is still in its early stages. Extensive field work and 5(5):903–924
Flowerdew MJ, Stoeser DB, Whitehouse MJ (2008) Granitoids from
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the lithostratigraphic sequence of the different terranes’ intruded by latest Neoproterozoic and Cambrian granitoids
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Gameil A, Heikal MTHS (2005) Petrogenesis of G. Rameid alkaline
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Universities, Yemen, for field facilities. Special thank to the reviewers 84, Egypt
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