Lithostratigraphy of the “Schist-Greywacke Domain” in Portugal: a reappraisal

Abstract

A synthesis of the knowledge of the Schist-Greywacke Domain (SGD) in Portugal is here presented. Until recently, this sequence assumed the designation of Dúrico-Beirão Supergroup composed by the Douro Group (DG) and the Beiras Group (BG). The DG is considered of Neoproterozoic – Cambrian age and the BG is of Neoproterozoic age. The identification and mapping in the BG of an unconformity as the Cadomian unconformity identified in Spain, which splits the Neoproterozoic in “lower Alcudian” and “upper Alcudian”, is a turning point for the understanding and establishment of consistent stratigraphic sequences that now compose the Fróia and the Lousã groups assembled in the Beiras Supergroup. These new groups are correlated with the Neoproterozoic sequences currently recognized in Spain: the Lousã group is equivalent to the Ibor Group (upper Alcudian) and the Fróia Group is equivalent pro parte, to the Domo Extremeño Supergroup.