  We extend the covariant analysis of the brane cosmological evolution in order
to take into account, apart from a general matter content and an
induced-gravity term on the brane, a Gauss-Bonnet term in the bulk. The
gravitational effect of the bulk matter on the brane evolution can be described
in terms of the total bulk mass as measured by a bulk observer at the location
of the brane. This mass appears in the effective Friedmann equation through a
term characterized as generalized dark radiation that induces mirage effects in
the evolution. We discuss the normal and self-accelerating branches of the
combined system. We also derive the Raychaudhuri equation that can be used in
order to determine if the cosmological evolution is accelerating.

High Energy Physics - Theory;Astrophysics;General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology