Similarity of palaeocurrent pattern of Lower Gondwana formations of the Talchir and the Ong-river basins of Orissa,India – An indication of dismemberment of a major Gondwana basin

In peninsular India, Gondwana strata are disposed linearly as strings of isolated basins conforming to the trend of the present day Koel–Damodar, Son–Mahanadi and Prahnita–Godavari river valleys. There are seven exposed and one concealed Gondwana basins/outliers in Orissa belonging to the Son–Mahanadi valley system. The present study is concerned with the consanguinity of the Talchir and Ong-river basins of Orissa. Similarity and dissimilarity of palaeocurrent population in these two basins were taken into consideration to test the consanguinity of the basins under consideration. Statistical analysis suggests that the sampled palaeocurrent data of the same formation belong to the same population when considered for both basins. In geologic terms, the basin parameters were identical when considered for either the Talchir or the Karharbari Formation that proves the consanguinity of both the basins and the possible existence of a master basin that encompassed other sister Gondwana basins in Orissa.     

Similarity of palaeocurrent pattern of Lower Gondwana formations of the Talchir and the Ong-river basins of Orissa, India – An indication of dismemberment of a major Gondwana basin

In peninsular India, Gondwana strata are disposed linearly as strings of isolated basins conforming to the trend of the present day Koel–Damodar, Son–Mahanadi and Prahnita–Godavari river valleys. There are seven exposed and one concealed Gondwana basins/outliers in Orissa belonging to the Son–Mahanadi valley system. The present study is concerned with the consanguinity of the Talchir and Ong-river basins of Orissa. Similarity and dissimilarity of palaeocurrent population in these two basins were taken into consideration to test the consanguinity of the basins under consideration. Statistical analysis suggests that the sampled palaeocurrent data of the same formation belong to the same population when considered for both basins. In geologic terms, the basin parameters were identical when considered for either the Talchir or the Karharbari Formation that proves the consanguinity of both the basins and the possible existence of a master basin that encompassed other sister Gondwana basins in Orissa.     

The Neoproterozoic Cratonic Successions of Peninsular India

The Peninsular India hosts extensive record of Mesoproterozoic, and Neoproterozoic successions in several mobile belts, and cratonic basins. The successions provide excellent opportunities for chronostratigraphic classification, in tune with the chronometric classification adopted by IUGS for inter-regional correlation on a global scale. Major tectono-thermal events at 1000–950 Ma in the mobile belts, correlatable with the Grenville orogeny may be considered as the datum for Meso-Neoproterozoic classification in India. Principles of chronostratigraphic classification, however, can not be applied yet to the cratonic successions of India because of inadequate radiometric data, paucity of biostratigraphic studies, and lack of regionally correlatable stratigraphic or palaeoclimatic datum. The kimberlite magmatism which affected the Peninsular India on a continental scale at about 1100 Ma, holds the key to the identification of Neoproterozoic successions of the cratonic basins. Thus, the stratigraphically confined diamond-bearing conglomerates and/or the tuffs associated with kimberlites, may be considered as the datum to define the base of the Neoproterozoic, fixed at about 1000 Ma. Accordingly, the Rewa, and Bhander Groups in the Vindhyan basin, the Kurnool Group in the Cuddapah basin, the Jagdalpur Formation in the Indravati basin, and the Sullavai Group in the Pranhita-Godavari basin are taken to represent the Neoproterozoic successions in the Peninsular India. The Chattisgarh Group in the central India, the lower part of the Marwar Supergroup in western Rajasthan, the Badami Group in the Kaladgi basin, and the Bhima Group are the other “possible Neoproterozoics” in the Peninsula.The closing phase of the Mesoproterozoic in all these basins are characterised by stable shelf lithologic associations attesting to high crustal stability. The Neoproterozoic basins, by contrast, mark a new phase of rifting, and extension, and the basin fills exhibit signatures of initial instability which evolved with time into a more stable platformal condition. A major episode of sea level rise has been recorded in most of the basins. The riftogenic origin, and evolution of the basins are comparable with the history of Neoproterozoic basins of Australia though there is no unequivocal record of glaciation in the Indian formations.     

辽西凌源牛营子盆地晚三叠世--中侏罗世地层层序及区域对比

本文根据重新理清的辽西凌源牛营子盆地晚三叠世-中侏罗世地层层序及时代,讨论其区域地层对比.晚三叠世晚期的邓杖子组是一套崩滑流为主的碳酸盐角砾,其为区域印支期构造运动的造山记录,与京西、冀北杏石口组、辽西北票羊草沟组(坤头菠罗组)可以对比;早侏罗世水泉沟组与京西、冀北南大岭组、辽西北票兴隆沟组层位相当,且各组火山岩时代基本相同;中侏罗世早期郭家店组底部含煤段与京西上窑坡组、冀北下花园组中部、辽西北票组中上部植物组合面貌一致;中侏罗世中期郭家店组砾岩段是燕山期构造变形主幕的产物,北京西山龙门组、冀北下板城下花园组上部、辽西北票海房沟组都是该期的记录,层位相当;辽西中侏罗世中晚期蓝旗组底部的时代为158±1Ma,与京西、冀北髫髻山组安山岩的同位素年龄总体一致.这说明差异较大的燕山板内造山带三叠纪-中侏罗世盆地的沉积记录显示了相似的演化规律.     

Palaeocurrent and environmental implications from anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS): a case study from Talchir and Barakar formations,Raniganj Basin,West Bengal,India

Oriented cylindrical cores of rock samples were collected from the Talchir and Barakar formations of the Lower Gondwana Supergroup of the Raniganj Basin exposed in and around Kalyaneshwari and Maithon areas. The cores (2.54 cm diameter and 2.2 cm height) were studied in the low field anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) measurement to determine the nature of magnetic fabrics, to correlate it with the sedimentological characteristics and to determine the palaeocurrent patterns. The results derived from the statistical parameters (especially the q-factor), the shapes of the susceptibility ellipsoids and directional data of the AMS indicate that the magnetic fabrics within the studied units are primary (depositional) and are correlatable form the palaeoenvironmental features. The orientation of the maximum (K₁), intermediate (K₂) and minimum (K₃) susceptibility axes is dispersed on the lower hemisphere equal area diagram rather than strong clusters which is not because of secondary (tectonic) influence but due to the moderate to high-energy environment of deposition of the sediments in the studied units. Based on the q-factor (which is 0.581 for Barakar Formation and 0.565 for Talchir Formation which are both <?0.7), it is suggested the AMS indicates that the imbrication of the K₁ axis is the indicator of palaeocurrent. Also, the magnetic foliation (average value?=?1.255) exceeds the magnetic lineation (average value?=?1.107) and the shape parameter exceeds 0 in most cases pointing towards an oblate fabric. The palaeocurrent in the present study as indicated by the K₁ axis imbrication is very similar in both the units under study and is due SW. However, apart from this precise palaeocurrent direction, there exists a certain degree of randomness of the susceptibility axes which are very clear indication of corresponding depositional environments.     

Palaeobotany of Gondwana basins of Orissa State,India: A bird's eye view

Gondwana basins of Orissa State constitute a major part of the Mahanadi Master Basin. These Gondwana sediments, ranging from Asselian to Albian in age, contain remnants of three basic floral assemblages i.e. Glossopteris Assemblage, Dicroidium Assemblage and Ptilophyllum Assemblage which can be recognized through the Permian, Triassic and Early Cretaceous, respectively. The megafloral assemblages of different basins of this state are discussed briefly. This report mainly deals with the plant species diversification in different lithological formations and the development of flora in the Gondwana basins of Orissa. A number of successive megafloras are recognized. Among those, leaves are the dominant part of the preserved flora, followed by fruits and roots. No wood parts are preserved in the major basins. These pre-angiospermic floras have been systematically analyzed to depict the evolutionary trends, and palaeofloristics of these basins. The distribution of plant fossils in different formations of these basins depicts provincialism in Gondwana flora within the Orissa.     

Palaeobotany of Gondwana basins of Orissa State, India: A bird's eye view

Gondwana basins of Orissa State constitute a major part of the Mahanadi Master Basin. These Gondwana sediments, ranging from Asselian to Albian in age, contain remnants of three basic floral assemblages i.e. Glossopteris Assemblage, Dicroidium Assemblage and Ptilophyllum Assemblage which can be recognized through the Permian, Triassic and Early Cretaceous, respectively. The megafloral assemblages of different basins of this state are discussed briefly. This report mainly deals with the plant species diversification in different lithological formations and the development of flora in the Gondwana basins of Orissa. A number of successive megafloras are recognized. Among those, leaves are the dominant part of the preserved flora, followed by fruits and roots. No wood parts are preserved in the major basins. These pre-angiospermic floras have been systematically analyzed to depict the evolutionary trends, and palaeofloristics of these basins. The distribution of plant fossils in different formations of these basins depicts provincialism in Gondwana flora within the Orissa.     

西南三江造山带地层区划

西南三江为一复杂造山带,由特提斯大洋板块的怒江-孟连主大洋及欧亚大陆板块的扬子陆块大陆边缘弧盆系、冈瓦纳大陆板块北缘弧盆系构成。随着特提斯大洋怒江-孟连洋俯冲、消亡,后板块发生碰撞、走滑及岩浆岩侵位等,形成了现今由板块缝合带、增生杂岩带构成的西南三江造山带,造就了复杂的地层系统,包含史密斯地层、有限史密斯地层,非史密斯地层。本文突破"传统地层学"概念,按"构造地层学"的现代地层学概念建立了西南三江地层格架,划分出欧亚大陆板块的北羌塘-三江地层大区、特提斯大洋板块的班公湖-怒江-孟连构造-地层大区、冈瓦纳大陆板块的冈底斯-腾冲地层区。     

New Somali Basin magnetic anomalies and a plate model for the early Indian Ocean

The oldest portions of the Indian Ocean formed via the breakup of Gondwana and the subsequent fragmentation of East Gondwana. We present a constrained plate model for this early Indian Ocean development for the time period from Gondwana Breakup until the start of the Cretaceous Normal Superchron. The motions of the East Gondwana terranes are determined using new geophysical observations in the Somali Basin and existing geophysical interpretations from other coeval Indian Ocean basins. Within the Somali Basin, recent satellite gravity data clearly resolve traces of an east–west trending extinct spreading ridge and north–south oriented fracture zones. A thorough compilation of Somali Basin ship track magnetic data allows us to interpret magnetic anomalies M24Bn through M0r about this extinct ridge. Our magnetic interpretations from the Somali Basin are similar in age, spreading rate, and spreading directions to magnetic anomalies previously interpreted in the neighboring Mozambique Basin and Riiser Larsen Sea. The similarity between the two magnetic anomaly datasets allows us to match both basin's older magnetic anomaly picks by defining a pole of rotation for a single and cohesive East Gondwana plate. However, following magnetic anomaly M15n, we find it is no longer possible to match magnetic picks from both basins and maintain plausible plate motions. In order to match the post-M15n geophysical data we are forced to model the motions of Madagascar/India and East Antarctica/Australia as independent plates. The requirement to utilize two independent plates after anomaly M15n provides strong circumstantial evidence that suggests East Gondwana breakup began around 135 Ma.     

Gondwana biostratigraphy of the Purnea Basin (eastern Bihar,India), and its correlation with Rajmahal and Bengal Gondwana basins

Integrated biostratigraphic studies are undertaken on the newly discovered Gondwana successions of Purnea Basin which have been recognized in the subsurface below the Neogene Siwalik sediments. The four exploratory wells, so far drilled in Purnea Basin, indicated the presence of thick Gondwana sussession (± 2450m) with varied lithological features. However, precise age of different Gondwanic lithounits of this basin and their correlation with standard Gondwana lithounits is poorly understood due to inadequate biostratigraphic data.Present biostratigraphic studies on the Gondwana successions in the exploratory wells of PRN-A, RSG-A, LHL-A and KRD-A enable recognition of fifteen Gondwanic palynological zones ranging in age from Early Permian (Asselian-Sakmarian) to Late Triassic (Carnian-Norian). Precise age for the Gondwanic palynological zones, recognized in the Purnea Basin and already established in other Indian Gondwana basins, are provided in the milieu of additional palynological data obtained from the Gondwana successions of this basin.The Lower Gondwana (Permian) palynofloras of Purnea Basin recorded from the Karandighi, Salmari, Katihar and Dinajpur formations resemble the palynological assemblages earlier recorded from the Talchir, Karharbari, Barakar and Raniganj formations respectively, and suggests the full development of lower Gondwana succession in this basin. The Upper Gondwana (Triassic) succession of this basin is marked by the Early and Middle to Late Triassic palynofloras that resemble Panchet and Supra-Panchet (Dubrajpur/Maleri Formation) palynological assemblages, and indicates the occurrence of complete Upper Gondwana succession also in the Purnea Basin.The lithological and biostratigraphic attributes of Gondwana sediments from Purnea, Rajmahal and western parts of Bengal Basin (Galsi Basin) are almost similar and provides strong evidences about the existence of a distinct N-S trending Gondwana Graben, referred as the Purnea-Rajmahal-Galsi Gondwana Graben. Newly acquired biostratigraphic data from the Gondwana sediments of CHK-A, MNG-A and PLS-A wells from central part of Bengal Basin and Bouguer anomaly data suggest that these wells fall in a separate NE-SW trending graben of “Chandkuri-Palasi-Bogra Gondwana Graben”. Although, the post-Gondwana latest Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Rajmahal Traps and and intertrappean beds succeed the Upper Gondwana successions in Rajmahal, Galsi and Chandkuri-Palasi Gondwana basins, but not recorded in the drilled wells of Purnea Basin, instead succeeded by the Neogene Siwalik sediments.     

REVISION OF THE PLEISTOCENE STRATIGRAPHY IN KYUSHU FOR INTERPROVINCIAL CORRELATION

For the basis of interprovincial correlation the Pleistocene formations and volcanics in Kyushu were re-examined stratigraphically and the revised results are presented here. The following five areas were chosen for the stratigraphic revision; they are the Oita district, Nalcatsu district, southern half of Nagasaki Prefecture, marginal area of northern Kagoshima Bay, and the Miyazaki district. The Pleistocene formations and volcanic rocks are extensively developed in the above-mentioned areas and those in the respective areas serve as the standard section for a part of the Pleistocene stratigraphy. Consequently the systematic study on the geology in these areas gives a general outline of the stratigraphic correlation of the Pleistocene units in Kyushu. — Author.     

Upper gondwana succession of the Rewa Basin,India: Understanding the interrelationship of lithologic and stratigraphic variables

The current work attempts to address a century old problem regarding the stratigraphic disposition of the Upper Gondwana succession of the Rewa basin based on geological mapping and litholog preparation along well exposed transects. The proposed Upper Gondwana stratigraphy of the Rewa basin comprises a continuous and thick package of Triassic sediments unconformably overlain by the Jurassic Parsora Formation. The Triassic succession consists of a basal Pali Formation, an intermediate and newly designated Karki Formation and the overlying mud-dominant Tiki Formation. These formations are well defined based on physical attributes such as lithology, textures and sedimentary structures, and are easily distinguishable in the field. Based on stratigraphic correlation and fossil content, a Lower-Middle Triassic age has been assigned for the Pali and Karki formations, while the Tiki Formation is Upper Triassic (Carnian) in age. Preliminary observations based on lithological characteristics, sand body geometry and sand: mud ratios suggest that within a fluvial setting there were considerable changes in environments of deposition through time, especially during Triassic to Jurassic transition.     

Late Tournaisian conodonts from the Taungnyo Group near Loi Kaw,Myanmar (Burma): Implications for Shan Plateau stratigraphy and evolution of the Gondwana-derived Sibumasu Terrane

Carboniferous conodonts are reported for the first time from Myanmar (Burma). Conodont faunas representative of the Scaliognathus anchoralis and Gnathodus typicus–Protognathodus cordiformis conodont zones date the sampled Taungnyo Group south of Loi Kaw, Kayah State as late Tournaisian confirming a Mississippian (Lower Carboniferous) age for the sampled part of this stratigraphic unit. The dated strata are stratigraphically just below the Tournaisian–Visean (T-V) boundary. Tournaisian strata are thus for the first time unequivocally demonstrated in the Shan Plateau region of Myanmar. Similar conodont faunas from the T-V boundary interval in SE Asia indicate a complete stratigraphic sequence at this level in shallow-marine sequences on intra-Tethyan Cathaysian tectonic blocks (South China) and in deep-marine Palaeo-Tethyan sediments (cherts of the Inthanon suture zone, Thailand). However, in shallow-marine sequences on the Sibumasu Block, located on the NE margin of Gondwana in the Carboniferous, they demonstrate a non-sequence or unconformity at this level, also seen elsewhere in Gondwana. Biogeographic links between upper Tournaisian and early Visean conodonts on the Sibumasu Terrane and Laurentia and Eastern Australian Gondwana support a NW Australian Gondwana margin position for Sibumasu in the Late Palaeozoic.     

Comparative Study of Cyclicity of Lithofacies in Lower Gondwana Formations of Talchir Basin, Orissa, India: A Statistical Analysis of Subsurface Logs

Cyclic characters of Karharbari, Barakar and Barren Measures Formations of the Talchir Gondwana basin have been studied in the subsurface logs statistically using first order Markov chain and entropy analyses. Results strongly suggest that the sediments of these formations were deposited by Markovian mechanism and all the three formations represent cyclic sedimentation. The complete cycles of all the three formations are identical and exhibit fining-upward character. Each complete cycle starts with a thin conglomerate or pebbly to coarse-grained sandstone at the base and successively followed by medium- and fine-grained sandstones, interbedded sandstone-shale, shale and terminates with a coal seam at the top. There are, however, minor variations of facies transition in different formations. Entropy analysis also corroborates these findings. The upward sequence of facies states, which is stationary at individual localities, is non-stationary over the entire area. Broad regional variations in the depositional environment, that are not significant at the local scale, may be the plausible explanation. The Karharbari, Barakar and Barren Measures sediments of the Talchir Gondwana basin fit suitably into the concept of fluvial cycles.     

Buried oblique‐slip faults in the Irish Caledonides

Despite over a century of geological investigation, the Ordovician evolution of South Mayo, western Ireland, is still imperfectly understood. An example of this is the supposed lateral equivalence of two formations within the succession, the Rosroe and Derrylea Formations of Arenig age, exposed on opposite limbs of a major east–west syncline. These formations exhibit characteristics which suggest that they were not deposited in the same basin. Both formations contain tuff horizons. Geochemical analysis of these tuffs shows that each formation contains chemically distinct volcanic signatures suggesting deposition in separate sub‐basins. Previously the Rosroe Formation on the south limb of the syncline was considered the coarse‐grained proximal equivalent of the finer‐grained Derrylea Formation, both being deposited in a deep‐water fan environment. Previously published palaeocurrent data together with new data show the Rosroe Formation to have been derived from the northeast and therefore it cannot be the proximal equivalent of the Derrylea Formation. Additionally, the two formations show different and distinct associations of heavy mineral assemblages. It is suggested that one explanation for these data is that both formations were deposited in separate sub‐basins controlled by oblique slip sinistral faults, similar in some respects to the Cenozoic basins of the Gulf of California. In the Irish case these faults would have been largely buried by later Ordovician sedimentation. Some models for the Ordovician evolution of this area postulate the presence of an initial oceanic arc situated above a southward directed subduction zone. The presence of thick proximal submarine tuffs derived from an arc environment in the Rosroe Formation suggest that at least by this time the subduction zone was in fact northward directed and outboard of the arc. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tectonic Control of the Triassic Santa Maria Supersequence of the Paraná Basin, Southernmost Brazil, and its Correlation to the Waterberg Basin, Namibia

The Middle and Late Triassic Santa Maria Basin, exposed in southernmost Brazil, and Waterberg Basin, in Namibia, are herein interpreted as part of en échelon small basins in southern West Gondwana. The main structures are the Waterberg-Omaruru Fault which can be connected to a NW-strike anastomosed fault zone in Brazil. Based on field structural and stratigraphic analysis two populations of NW-strike fractures, named A-type and B-type, are recognized. A-type fractures (Az = 280°-290°) occur in the Sanga do Cabral Supersequence, underlying units of Santa Maria Basin, as extension of the Waterberg-Omaruru Fault during the Early Triassic. B-type fractures (Az = 295°-345°) are observed in all studied stratigraphic units, from the Triassic Sanga do Cabral Supersequence to the Early Cretaceous Botucatu/Serra Geral formations. Based on the structural analysis we propose that NNE-SSW extension reactivated structures of the Damara Belt, Namibia, with a propagation towards Rio Grande do Sul State forming an anastomosing normal fault system and related-rift basin by Early-Middle Triassic time. The A-type fractures were preferentially active by this phase and the B-type ones are interpreted as secondary link segments within the anastomosing system. During the Gondwana break-up and South Atlantic opening (rift to proto-oceanic phase, Aptian) the B-type fractures were reactivated as normal faults by N50°E-S50°W extension.     

Classification of Complex Reservoirs in Superimposed Basins of Western China

<正>Many of the sedimentary basins in western China were formed through the superposition and compounding of at least two previously developed sedimentary basins and in general they can be termed as complex superimposed basins.The distinct differences between these basins and monotype basins are their discontinuous stratigraphic sedimentation,stratigraphic structure and stratigraphic stress-strain action over geological history.Based on the correlation of chronological age on structural sections,superimposed basins can be divided into five types in this study:(1) continuous sedimentation type superimposed basins,(2) middle and late stratigraphic superimposed basins,(3) early and late stratigraphic superimposed basins,(4) early and middle stratigraphic superimposed basins,and(5) long-term exposed superimposed basins.Multiple source-reservoir-caprock assemblages have developed in such basins.In addition,multi-stage hydrocarbon generation and expulsion,multiple sources,polycyclic hydrocarbon accumulation and multiple-type hydrocarbon reservoirs adjustment,reformation and destruction have occurred in these basins.The complex reservoirs that have been discovered widely in the superimposed basins to date have remarkably different geologic features from primary reservoirs,and the root causes of this are folding,denudation and the fracture effect caused by multiphase tectonic events in the superimposed basins as well as associated seepage,diffusion,spilling,oxidation,degradation and cracking.Based on their genesis characteristics,complex reservoirs are divided into five categories:(1) primary reservoirs,(2) trap adjustment type reservoirs,(3) component variant reservoirs,(4) phase conversion type reservoirs and (5) scale-reformed reservoirs.     

Sedimentation of submarine fan deposits in the Pindos foreland basin,from late Eocene to early Oligocene,west Peloponnesus peninsula,SW Greece

Turbidite facies distribution and palaeocurrent analysis of submarine fan evolution in the Pindos foreland basin of west Peloponnesus peninsula (SW Greece) indicate that this part of the foreland was developed during Late Eocene to Early Oligocene in three linear sub‐basins (Tritea, Hrisovitsi and Finikounda). The basin fill conditions, with a multiple feeder system, which is characterized by axial transport of sediments and asymmetric stratigraphic thickness of the studied sediments, indicate that the Pindos Foreland Basin in this area was an underfilled foreland basin. Sediments are dominated by conglomerates, sandstones and mudstones. The flow types that controlled the depositional processes of the submarine fans were grain flows, debris flows and low‐ and high‐density turbidity currents. The sedimentary model that we propose for the depositional mechanisms and geometrical distribution of the turbidite units in the Tritea sub‐basin is a mixed sand‐mud submarine fan with a sequential interaction of progradation and retrogradation for the submarine fan development and shows a WNW main palaeocurrent direction. The Hrisovitsi sub‐basin turbidite system characterized by small‐scale channels was sediment starved, and the erosion during deposition was greater than the two other studied areas, indicating a more restricted basin topography with a NW main palaeocurrent direction. The Finikounda sub‐basin exhibits sand‐rich submarine fans, is characterized by the presence of distinct, small‐scale, thickening‐upward cycles and by the covering of a distal fan by a proximal fan. It was constructed under the simultaneous interaction of progradation and aggradation, where the main palaeocurrent direction was from NNW to SSE. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Subduction,mega-shear systems and Late Palaeozoic basin development in the African segment of Gondwana

 Basins within the African sector of Gondwana contain a Late Palaeozoic to Early Mesozoic Gondwana sequence unconformably overlying Precambrian basement in the interior and mid-Palaeozoic strata along the palaeo-Pacific margin. Small sea-board Pacific basins form an exception in having a Carboniferous to Early Permian fill overlying Devonian metasediments and intrusives. The Late Palaeozoic geographic and tectonic changes in the region followed four well-defined consecutive events which can also be traced outside the study area. During the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous period (up to 330 Ma) accretion of microplates along the Patagonian margin of Gondwana resulted in the evolution of the Pacific basins. Thermal uplift of the Gondwana crust and extensive erosion causing a break in the stratigraphic record characterised the period between 300 and 330 Ma. At the end of this period the Gondwana Ice Sheet was well established over the uplands. The period 260–300 Ma evidenced the release of the Gondwana heat and thermal subsidence caused widespread basin formation. Late Carboniferous transpressive strike-slip basins (e.g. Sierra Australes/Colorado, Karoo-Falklands, Ellsworth-Central Transantarctic Mountains) in which thick glacial deposits accumulated, formed inboard of the palaeo-Pacific margin. In the continental interior the formation of Zambesi-type rift and extensional strike-slip basins were controlled by large mega-shear systems, whereas rare intracratonic thermal subsidence basins formed locally. In the Late Permian the tectonic regime changed to compressional largely due to northwest-directed subduction along the palaeo-Pacific margin. The orogenic cycle between 240 and 260 Ma resulted in the formation of the Gondwana fold belt and overall north–south crustal shortening with strike-slip motions and regional uplift within the interior. The Gondwana fold belt developed along a probable weak crustal zone wedged in between the cratons and an overthickened marginal crustal belt subject to dextral transpressive motions. Associated with the orogenic cycle was the formation of mega-shear systems one of which (Falklands-East Africa-Tethys shear) split the supercontinent in the Permo-Triassic into a West and an East Gondwana. By a slight clockwise rotation of East Gondwana a supradetachment basin formed along the Tethyan margin and northward displacement of Madagascar, West Falkland and the Gondwana fold belt occurred relative to a southward motion of Africa. Received: 2 October 1995 / Accepted: 28 May 1996