LAURENTIAN SYSTEM Meaning and
Definition
-
The Laurentian system refers primarily to the stratigraphic framework used in North America to categorize and classify rocks from the Precambrian era, specifically the Proterozoic Eon. Named after the region of eastern Canada known as the Laurentian Shield, which is composed of ancient rocks that were formed during this time period, the term "Laurentian system" encompasses the various rock formations, lithologies, and divisions observed in this region and other areas of North America.
The Laurentian system is characterized by the succession of sedimentary, volcanic, and metamorphic rocks that were deposited or formed during the Proterozoic Eon. It includes prominent stratigraphic divisions such as the Huronian Supergroup, the Grenville Province, and the Baraboo Interval, among others. These divisions are primarily identified based on variations in rock types, geological structures, and age determinations.
This stratigraphic framework is crucial for understanding the geological history and evolution of the eastern North American continent during the Proterozoic Eon. By studying the different rock units within the Laurentian system, geologists are able to reconstruct the tectonic processes, paleoenvironmental conditions, and geological events that shaped the region millions of years ago.
Overall, the Laurentian system acts as a comprehensive framework for classifying and organizing the diverse rock formations and geological processes that occurred during the Precambrian era, providing valuable insights into the Earth's deep past.
-
In geol., a term employed to designate the highly crystalline strata which belong especially to the valley of the St Lawrence; the lowest fossiliferous schists wherever they occur.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for LAURENTIAN SYSTEM
- kaurentian system
- paurentian system
- oaurentian system
- lzurentian system
- lsurentian system
- lwurentian system
- lqurentian system
- layrentian system
- lahrentian system
- lajrentian system
- lairentian system
- la8rentian system
- la7rentian system
- laueentian system
- laudentian system
- laufentian system
- lautentian system
- lau5entian system
- lau4entian system
- laurwntian system
Etymology of LAURENTIAN SYSTEM
The term "Laurentian system" refers to the geological time period known as the "Laurentian" or "Laurentian Era". The word "Laurentian" itself is derived from the Laurentian Shield or Laurentia.
The Laurentian Shield is a large tectonic plate that was part of the ancient supercontinent called Rodinia, formed approximately 1.6 billion years ago. It is named after the Laurentian mountains in eastern Canada, which were named after Saint Lawrence, a Catholic saint.
The term "Laurentian system" specifically refers to the sequence of rocks and geological events that occurred during the Precambrian era within the Laurentian Shield. These rocks are predominantly made up of ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks, and they have played a crucial role in understanding Earth's geological history.
