An Introduction to the Geology of Belgium and Luxembourg

Caledonian inliers; Variscan fold-and-thrust belt; Brabant massif; Ardenne allochthon; Mesozoic sedimentation in Belgium and Luxembourg; Cenozoic Belgian basin

Abstract :

[en] Belgium and the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg show surprising geological diversity over their small combined area of 33,114 km2. Almost all types of sedimentary rocks crop out and are generally preserved along well-described and easily accessible sections or in quarries. Several sections are known worldwide and are visited for stratigraphic or sedimentological purposes. Magmatic rocks are not abundant and metamorphic rocks are restricted to slates. The stratigraphic scale ranges from the Cambrian to the Quaternary, which translates to a half billion years of Earth history. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the different stratigraphic units, starting from the oldest and ending with the youngest. Modern stratigraphic schemes highlight formations’ geometries and interrelations. Some of the most remarkable units are further detailed. The two orogenic phases that shaped the Lower Paleozoic inliers and the Devonian-Carboniferous faulted and folded belt, i.e. the Caledonian and Variscan orogeny, are also addressed.

Disciplines :

Earth sciences & physical geography

Author, co-author :

Boulvain, Frédéric ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de géologie > Pétrologie sédimentaire

Vandenberghe, Noël

Language :

English

Title :

An Introduction to the Geology of Belgium and Luxembourg

Publication date :

2017

Main work title :

Landscapes and Landforms of Belgium and Luxembourg

Author, co-author :

Demoulin, Alain ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Sphères

Publisher :

Springer

Collection name :

World Geomorphological Landscapes

Pages :

9-33

Peer reviewed :

Peer reviewed

Available on ORBi :

since 24 October 2017

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444 (13 by ULiège)

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28 (4 by ULiège)

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