Contributions to understand the Atlantic opening from Paleomagnetism

Abstract

Paleomagnetism is an essential tool to determine and quantify the displacement and rotations of conti-nental blocks. It is also facilitates the accurate tracing of the South Atlantic opening history considering that the long (~40 Ma) Cretaceous Normal Superchron quiet period makes it difficult to determine well dated rotation poles based on sea floor magnetic anomalies. To achieve this reliable apparent polar wander paths (APWP) for South America and Africa, traced back to the pre-drift stage, are required. A well calibrated APWP along with magnetostratigraphy information is also useful to discriminate “pulses” of igneous activity within the magmatic province that preceded or accompanied the Atlantic evolution.