Collett, S. 2025. Detrital zircon tales between the Rodinia and Pangaea supercontinents; exploring connections between Avalonia, Cadomia and Central Asia. Journal of the Geological Society. 182, jgs2024–026.
DOI Google ScholarCampaign-style geochronology of pre- to syn-collisional Devonian basins of the Variscan Orogenic Belt
The Variscan Orogenic Belt developed in response to Devonian-Carboniferous collision between Laurussia and Gondwana and closure of the early Paleozoic Rheic Ocean. Although there is little dispute regarding these large-scale paleogeographic elements a long-lasting and persistent controversy exists regarding the existence, provenance and pre-orogenic distribution of smaller terranes and oceanic basins that occupy the collision zone. Owing to the relatively small size of these elements, their existence cannot be tested by paleomagnetic or paleontological methods. In this case, isotopic data from detrital minerals in sedimentary rocks deposited prior to collision can provide insight into this problem. Yet, there is limited data from Devonian basins representing the last depositional phase prior to continental collision and virtually no study has attempted to date detrital minerals other than zircon. This problematic is a prime target for a campaign-style zircon chronological study combined with testing under-utilized detrital minerals such as monazite, apatite, rutile, and garnet.