Orogenic Movements during the Paleozoic Period: Development of the Granitoid Formations in the Northwestern Region of Spain’s Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

In the present study, Paleozoic Variscan orogenesis was a model of the oroclinal flexion accompanied by extensive magmatism, which could be divided into the following two types: post-tectonic and syn-tectonic tonalite granite, and leuco-granite which were controlled by the tectonic characteristics of the intrusions. It was observed that a very high majority of the samples had displayed discontinuities in their structures, that were later utilized to define the granitoid morphology and development characteristics of the rock during the intrusion phases. Furthermore, it was determined that the tectonics associated with the Alpine orogeny results in the new generation of faults and fractures during the Paleogene Period had produced the development of the Sierras. Due to different weathering processes, the depressions which had resulted in the present granitoid reliefs were found to be exclusively related to the structural development processes during the geological history (either tectonic or magmatic) of the granite, and not as normally interpreted.