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Patterns of Change in Earth Evolution pp 371–386Cite as

Variation in Tectonic Style with Time (Variscan and Proterozoic Systems)

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Part of the book series: Dahlem Workshop Reports Physical, Chemical, and Earth Sciences Research Reports ((DAHLEM PHYSICAL,volume 5))

Abstract

The Precambrian and the early Paleozoic records contain evidence for numerous intracontinental orogenies. These evolve out of ensialic rift zones whose character and scale strongly influence the subsequent orogenic developments. There is a continuous gradation from weakly deformed, nonmetamorphic auloacogenes to highly metamorphic mobile belts. A number of examples are used to illustrate the characteristic features of sedimentary, magmatic, metamorphic, and structural evolution during the rifting stage. A matter of special importance in this context is the granulite facies metamorphism which took place during early Paleozoic time in what later became the Variscan orogene in Europe. It was concurrent with the continuous accumulation of sediment at the surface and with widespread preorogenic igneous activity. A model is offered for discussion that treats the granulite facies metamorphism and the contemporaneous sedimentation and emplacement of preorogenic granites as the result of widespread rifting within continental lithosphere.

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  1. Geologisch-Paläontologisches Institut und Museum, Universität Göttingen, 3400, Göttingen, Germany

    K. Weber

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H. D. Holland A. F. Trendall

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© 1984 Dr. S. Bernhard, Dahlem Konferenzen

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Weber, K. (1984). Variation in Tectonic Style with Time (Variscan and Proterozoic Systems). In: Holland, H.D., Trendall, A.F. (eds) Patterns of Change in Earth Evolution. Dahlem Workshop Reports Physical, Chemical, and Earth Sciences Research Reports, vol 5. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69317-5_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69317-5_22

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-69319-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-69317-5

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