Tectonostratigraphy of the Mérida Massif reveals a new Cadomian suture zone exposure in Gondwana (SW Iberia)

Neoproterozoic and Palaeozoic rocks of the Mérida Massif (SW Iberia) have been grouped into tectonostratigraphic units. Each unit is separated from rest ones by either crustal-scale thrusts and/or extensional detachments. The lowermost (Magdalena Gneisses; lower plate) has continental crust affinity, below a mafic-ultramafic ensemble, referred to as Ophiolite (suture zone). Serie Negra Group constitutes with affinity (Upper Schist-Metagranitoid Unit; upper located on top Ophiolite. A carbonate-rich succession (Carija Unit) occupies uppermost structural position. Structural previous isotopic data suggest that this suture zone was formed during Cadomian Orogeny. Superimposed shortening late upright NE-verging folds affected juxtaposed it onto Ordovician strata Variscan represents new exposure in Gondwanan realm Iberian Massif, but its root yet be identified. This ophiolite shares far-travelled nature other exposures Iberia, making latter piece lithosphere built through inland transference allochthonous terranes peri-Gondwana mainland Gondwana Neoproterozoic-Cambrian Devonian-Carboniferous periods.