The Devonian in Southwest region, Mexico

Paleontology and geology

Except for a few areas in the east, most of the Southwestern Region of Mexico did not exist in the Devonian. The Devonian limestones, sandstones, and shales found in the region were deposited off the coast of Gondwana. There are also igneous rocks that formed part of the ocean floor. During the Devonian, these rocks were pushed up against the volcanic islands along the northern continental margin as subduction brought Gondwana closer to Laurentia. Subsequent collisions have altered, folded, and faulted these rocks. Over time, many of them have been buried below younger rocks or eroded away. Devonian exposures are too small to appear on this map, but other more detailed maps may show them.