The Serra Do Espinhaço, Brazil

摘要: The name Serra do Espinhago ("Backbone Range") was introduced into geographical literature in 1822 (i) by the founder of Brazilian geology, Wilhelm von Eschwege, as a comprehensive term for various orographic units that form great watershed between rivers flowing directly to Atlantic and those discharge first Uruguay, Parand, S-o Francisco. By modern usage, fact subsequent usage Eschwege himself, has, however, been practically limited section this corresponding Sao Francisco basin, greater part Parana basin being known da Mantiqueira, while remainder one Uruguay are considered forming parts Mar range. As thus limited, name, though robbed much its pristine importance appropriateness, is applied well-marked feature distinguished special topographic, geologic, tectonic characteristics. Some most distinctive topographic geologic features range well set forth his detailed descriptions journeys gold diamond districts (2) comprised extending from Ouro Preto Diamantina, occurrence these minerals itself leading characteristics Thus he contrasts mean elevation (1,000000 with peaks rising I,500-I,8OOm), general plateau character abrupt margins, bald rugged aspect minor ridges, their north-south trend, predominance schistose rocks (especially quartz ferruginous schists), lower altitude, gentler apparently systemless topography ("like storm-tossed forest sea") crystalline (principally gneiss granite)' characterize 1 had crystalline-chemical hypothesis own (set detail on pp. i ff. Gebirgskunde) regarding mode formation what