Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks of South China: Their separate positions in Gondwana until early Paleozoic juxtaposition

The position of South China in Gondwana remains controversial. In all previous models, the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks, two major components China, were amalgamated by Tonian, was considered to be a single coherent block Gondwana. Based on summary critical reevaluation available paleomagnetic, paleontological, stratigraphic, detrital zircon data, we propose that blocks not juxtaposed until early Paleozoic located at separate parts northern margin before time. northwest India Ediacaran Cambrian. close or part Australia Ediacaran, when separated Kuunga Ocean, with eastern late Cambrian ocean closed. Our model implies orogenesis could have been related distinct events, collision Cathaysia/Australia (the orogeny) Late Ordovician amalgamation Yangtze. It also likely occupied positions Rodinia.