Palaeogeographic evolution of southwestern Europe during Early Palaeozoic times

Abstract

Abstract In the Late Ordovician, both SW Europe and Africa were situated in high latitudes. Sedimentary fades and biogeography suggest that these regions were separated by the Rheic (Mid-European) Ocean from Baltica, with the suture lying between the Armorican Massif and the Ardennes. During the Silurian and the Devonian, palaeobiogeographic affinities persisted between S Europe and N Africa. It is concluded that S Europe consisted of several discrete blocks or microplates prior to the Hercynian Orogeny.