Springer Geology of Southwest Gondwana (Regional Geology Reviews)

This book focuses on the geological evolution of Southwest (SW) Gondwana and presents state-of-the-art insights into its evolution. It addresses the diachronic assembly of continental fragments derived from the break-up of the Rodinia supercontinent later amalgamated to build SW Gondwana during the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian transition, which on a global scale includes parts of present-day South America, Africa and Madagascar. The book presents 24 state-of-the-art reviews including the most crucial controversies. Most experienced scientists about the geology of SW Gondwana from Europe, Africa, South America and Australia present contributions on key areas addressing the interactions between the main cratons and fold belts on both sides of the South Atlantic Ocean. Chapters related to the geology of the major Archean- Paleoproterozoic cratons and Neoproterozoic Brasiliano/Pan-African fold belts enable readers to gain an in-depth understanding of the tectonometamorphic and magmatic evolution of SW Gondwana. The book covers a wide range of issues including metallogenetic, sedimentary, paleobiological and paleoclimatic processes and allows a deep insight into this key period of the Earth’s evolution. Review “This book offers a treasure trove of comprehensive review papers and new material of high scientific standard covering all parts of Southwest Gondwana. The new information and tectonic models presented across the book provide a compelling view of the geological history of the blocks that make up Southwest Gondwana, both in Africa and South America, and their assembly into the sub-supercontinent. This is an essential resource for all researchers working on Gondwana.” (Bert De Waele, Journal of South American Earth Sciences, Vol. 93, August, 2019) “This book is a thorough, robust and well-illustrated contribution on the ‘United Plates of Southwest Gondwana’ of high scientific standard that includes several new datasets and maps. This is a must read for all researchers, who carry out projects in this region.” (Bernd Lammerer, Gondwana Research, 2018) From the Back Cover This book highlights the geological evolution of Southwest (SW) Gondwana and presents state-of-the-art insights into its evolution. It summarizes the geological evolution of Southwest (SW) Gondwana, which comprises parts of South America, Africa, Madagascar, Antarctica, India and Australia and describes the diachronic assembly of continent fragments derived from the break-up of the Rodinia supercontinent during the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian transition. Reviews written by experts in the geology of key areas in the major Paleoproterozoic–Archean Cratons and Neoproterozoic Brasiliano (Pan-African) fold belts on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean enable readers to gain an in-depth understanding of the evolution of Southwest Gondwana. The book also provides a basis for reconstructing the tectonic regimes associated with the different stages that led to the establishment of Southwest Gondwana.