T75. Evolution of the Variscan crust

The architecture of the Variscan crust and the distribution of its ore deposits is the result of a complex geodynamic history, starting in the early Cambrian with the break-up of the Gondwana margin along a Cadomian back arc. In the Ordovician-Early Devonian, oceanization forced continental drifting of different Gondwana-ribbon terranes that were accreted into Laurentia margin to create Laurussia. Continental convergence in the Early-Late Devonian led to subduction of the Lower Paleozoic oceans, and to the complex continental collision between Laurussia and Gondwana, involving thin-skinned, gneiss dome and wrench-tectonics in Late Devonian-Permian, forming the Variscan Orogen and Pangaea. It records net crustal growth by magmatic underplating and development of long-lasting volcanic arcs. Variscan sedimentary, magmatic, and tectono-metamorphic processes influenced the distribution of World-Class critical minerals deposits. In this session, we welcome contributions that discuss the evolution of the Variscan crust using different approaches encompassing, but not limited to, paleontological, stratigraphic, structural, petrological, geophysical, and geochronological methods. Multidisciplinary studies combining one or more of the above methods and analogue or numerical modelling are particularly welcome, as well as studies aiming at unravelling the paleogeographic evolution of the different Variscan terranes and processes controlling the development of relevant orogenic ore deposits.