Amazonia Craton

geology
Also known as: Brazilian Shield

Learn about this topic in these articles:

geology of South America

  • South America
    In South America: The Precambrian

    …old) are known in the Amazonia, Luis Alves, and São Francisco cratons, although precisely dated rock samples are scarce. Ages older than 3 billion years have been reported in the Imataca Complex of Venezuela and in the Xingu area of Brazil, both in the Amazonia craton. The oldest rocks found…

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  • Southern and Central Andes and Patagonia
    In Andes Mountains: Geology

    …as sediments eroded from the Amazonia craton (or Brazilian shield)—the ancient granitic continental fragment that constitutes much of Brazil—and deposited between about 450 and 250 million years ago on the craton’s western flank. The weight of these deposits forced a subsidence (downwarping) of the crust, and the resulting pressure and…

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