Tectonic evolution of South America / Тектоническая эволюция Южной Америки

First of ail, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to Professor Umberto Giuseppe Gordani and Professor Diogenes de Almeida Campos of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences for their kind invitation to participate in this important project. The unconditional confidence placed in us and the complete autonomy over editorial policy that we had during this period were fundamental to the success of this major undertaking. Between February 1999 when a formal invitation was made to the contributors to this volume and the date this went lo press in August 2000, there has been a year and a half of intense editing procedures. However, the effort dedicated lo this monumental task has been amply rewarded by the quality of ihe final product.
We wish to express our thanks to ail the contributors to this volume, who have given the very best of their work and dedication lo the geological science. Likewise, thanks are extended to all those who have contributed indirectly and specifically those geo scientists and publishing houses who have kindly granted authorization to use figures published previously in scientific journals. We are much indebted to our families, and the ones of all those involved in the successful completion of this task for their patience and understanding during very many weekends of absence while working on this project.
The dedication of the editorial support staff is also gratefully acknowledged. Dr. Marcus Waring di Valderano performed a key role in the production of this volume by editing the language and grammar of the contributions svith initiative and efficiency, bearing in mind that F.nglish is not the native language of most of the contributors. Cristina Barbosa prepared the final graphics project with unquestionable good taste. Paulo Cdsar de Souza Rocha, Murilo Paes Lins, and Bianca Maria Rego Martins undertook the arduous task of standardizing the presentation of the text figures, Finally, thanks are extended to Maira Nobre who organized the format in which the bibliographic references are cited. The Executive Editors are much indebted for the support of Pelrdleo Brasiieiro S.A. - PETROBRAS,
Considering its wide scope this volume is certainly a pioneer contribution in the divulge nee of the geology of our continent, being an up-to-date synthesis of the tectonic knowledge of South America. Each chapter was submitted by one or more invited authors that are directly involved in the research of specific aspects of the general subject. It is important to state that the resjwnsibility for the technical and scientific content of the contributions lies with the authors, since the editorial policy was restricted to format and presentation. Naturally, with the authors remain the full merits of their work-it is the sincere wish of Ihe Executive Editors that this volume, published on (he occasion of the XXXI International Geological Congress - Rio 2000, will provide a useful reference to the international community of geoscientists. <...>