Reconstruction of the geographical distribution of land, seas and geological environments through time.
An inferred arrangement of continental blocks at a specified geological time. Relative rotations must satisfy independent constraints from paleomagnetism, stratigraphy, sedimentary provenance, metamorphic belts and dated suture zones. Geometric compatibility alone does not establish uniqueness.
An early Proterozoic supercontinent whose assembly is commonly placed broadly around 1.9–1.6 billion years ago. The terms Columbia and Nuna are often used interchangeably, although some reconstructions distinguish their regional or temporal meanings. Geological connections and dated apparent polar wander paths test proposed configurations.[ref]
Assembly and breakup of the core of Paleoproterozoic-Mesoproterozoic supercontinent Nuna by David A. D. Evans and Ross N. Mitchell. pp. 443–446, quantitative reconstruction of the core and its assembly–breakup sequence.
A Proterozoic supercontinent assembled principally around 1.1–0.9 billion years ago and dispersed in stages later in the Proterozoic. Its detailed continental configuration is less tightly constrained than that of Pangaea, because later deformation and recycling have removed much of the original evidence.
The supercontinent assembled by the late Paleozoic and fragmented during the Mesozoic. Restored geological belts, fossil assemblages, glacial deposits, paleomagnetism and the younger seafloor spreading record provide complementary constraints on its history.
Articles by others on the same topic
There are currently no matching articles.