Cadomian S-type granites as basement rocks of the Variscan belt (Massif Central, France): Implications for the crustal evolution of the north Gondwana margin

We propose that partial melting of Ediacaran sediments occurred during inversion of a Cadomian back-arc basin and was promoted by the high thermal gradient typical of thinned crust domains. Therefore, the VOF and other Cadomian S-type granitoids from the northern Gondwana margin are indicative of substantial crust reworking away from any proper continental collision zone.