Late Proterozoic paleomagnetism and tectonic models: a critical appraisal

摘要: Abstract Interpretations of Proterozoic orogenic belts in terms plate tectonic processes have been widely divergent. Published models range between the extremes no relative motions continental nuclei (implying ensialic processes) on one hand, to large-scale with oceans opening and closing (resulting continent-continent collisions) other hand. Paleomagnetic data can, theory, contribute significantly this debate; however, as shown paper, several interpretations basis paleomagnetic premature. A critical continent many previous is Africa. In order test hypotheses, for instance, late Proterozoic-Cambrian Pan African orogeny, a compilation paleopoles has made Africa, age ranges falling fully or partially within interval 1150 500 Ma. quantitative comparison quality dataset Phanerozoic poles North American Europe shows that Africa generally very low reliability. It appears from Gondwana continents are equally unreliable even less abundant. This means currently Gondwanaland cannot be used confidence testing such Precambrian supercontinent, at least time after Well-dated three cratonic (Congo, Kalahari, West Africa) define relatively short apparent polar wander path segments, but each different ranges. implies they compared choice ensimatic yet based data. While does not imply (e.g. those Piper McWilliams) wrong, it mean substantial support them will wait more higher-quality paleopole determinations better dating precision.