Volume 12, Number 4 (1985)
Articles

On Orogeny and Epeirogeny in the Study of Phanerozoic and Archean Rocks

J. J. Hermes
Geologisch Institut, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
G. J. Borradaile
Department of Geology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Published 1985-12-12

How to Cite

Hermes, J. J., & Borradaile, G. J. (1985). On Orogeny and Epeirogeny in the Study of Phanerozoic and Archean Rocks. Geoscience Canada, 12(4). Retrieved from https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/GC/article/view/3428

Abstract

The retention of the original, literal meanings of "orogeny" and "epeirogeny" is recommended. Orogeny is not a short-lived, chronostratigraphic feature nor is it a synonym for rock deformation or for widespread isotopic events. The term is applicable to tectonic deformation in belts, and which produced chains of mountains in Phanerozoic (and late Proterozoic) rocks. Therefore, it maybe less appropriate in Archean rocks of the shield areas where broadly uniform isotopic events may be more appropriately considered as epeirogenetic phenomena.