Vendian-Cambrian of Western Gondwana – Introdution

GAUCHER, CLAUDIO; FRIMMEL, HARTWIG; FERREIRA, VELDEREZ; POIRÉ, DANIEL G.

GONDWANA RESEARCH

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2004 vol. 7 p. 659 - 660

1342-937X

Gondwana formed as a result of the Pan African-Brasiliano orogenies, and survived until the opening of the Atlantic in late Mesozoic times. For researchers dealing with the genesis of this remarkable supercontinent, the time period represented by the Vendian to Cambrian (ca. 600-500 Ma) is crucial. The Vendian to Early Cambrian was a period of outstanding events in Earth history. The present thematic issue comprises a number of contributions on different subjects, focussing on the Vendian-Cambrian evolution of western Gondwana. Palaeogeography, chemostratigraphy, palaeontology, palaeoclimatology and the genesis of ore deposits are dealt with, providing at the same time an important basis for future research. We hope that the volume provides answers to some of the fundamental questions about the edge of the abyss of time represented by the Precambrian.The present thematic issue comprises a number of contributions on different subjects, focussing on the Vendian-Cambrian evolution of western Gondwana. Palaeogeography, chemostratigraphy, palaeontology, palaeoclimatology and the genesis of ore deposits are dealt with, providing at the same time an important basis for future research. We hope that the volume provides answers to some of the fundamental questions about the edge of the abyss of time represented by the Precambrian.