Avalonian orogeny

views updated May 08 2018

Avalonian orogeny An episode of mountain building, named after the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland, that occurred about 650–500 Ma ago (Cambrian to Ordovician) as a result of rifting (see RIFT) and volcanicity associated with the opening of the Atlantic. Its rocks are found intermittently from Georgia to Newfoundland. See APPALACHIAN OROGENIC BELT.