Paleolatitude and cause of the Svecokarelian orogeny

Abstract

Paleomagnetic data suggest a paleolatitude of 22°N for the Fennoscandian protocontinent during the Svecokarelian orogeny. This is lower than that of the Canadian shield during the same period. Precambrian polar wandering curves of the two continents differ, thus indicating independent drifting. Mutual collisions and periods of separation are suggested by the early history of the two shield areas.