A geotraverse through the Variscan Fold Belt in Portugal

Abstract

A geotraverse through the Variscan Fold Belt in Portugal is described. The main geometric and chronologic features of the different deformation phases are drawn for each palaeogeographic and tectonic zone (Middle Galician - Trás-os-Montes Subzone; Centro-Iberian, Ossa-Morena and South Portuguese Zones). The problem of the tectonic position of the Bragança and Morais Massifs is referred to. The pattern of vergences and the mechanical origin of the Ibero-Armorican arc are briefly discussed.