Brasilides

The term "Brasilides" refers to the orogenic belts formed during the Brazilian cycle of crustal deformation, which occurred approximately 900 to 570 million years ago. This cycle was part of the amalgamation of Precambrian cratons that formed the supercontinent Gondwana. The Brasilides are a manifestation of this geological process, primarily found in the southern Brazilian state of Mato Grosso.1

These belts are characterized by sequences of green schists, limestones, and quartzites, along with red bed molasse formations. They represent the collision between the passive margin of the Amazonia craton and the active margin of the Alto Paraguay craton. The suture zone between these cratons is marked by mafic and ultramafic rocks. Other Brazilian belts, such as the Borborema and Dom Feliciano belts, also resulted from collisions involving Precambrian cratons and contributed to the formation of South America's continental structure.1

The Brazilian Highlands, a distinct geographical feature, are an eroded plateau region in central and southeastern Brazil, characterized by low mountains and tabular plateaus. They share geological similarities with the Guiana Highlands.2