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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Houston Geological Society Bulletin

Abstract


Houston Geological Society Bulletin, Volume 40, No. 7, March 1998. Pages 10-10.

Abstract: Regional Tectonics And Paleogeographic Evolution of China

By

Pinar O. Yilmaz, Ian O. Norton, et. al.
Exxon Exploration Company, P.O. Box 4778, Houston, TX 77210-4778

Tectonic domains of greater China are discussed with a summary of stratigraphy, structure and timing of events. Tectonic assemblages include Precambrian and older domains, accretionary complexes, melange and flysch belts, sutures, rifted crust and oceanic crust. Our study also mapped igneous rocks and their chemistry, major structures and deformation timing.

There are several blocks which consist of continental or accretionary crust. The relative positions and interactions of these blocks during Phanerozoic time resulted in development of greater China. Amalgamation of these blocks created an extremely complex mountain system and &verse sedimentary basins. Activity continues to present day with deformation partitioned between thrusting in mountain belts and sliding along great strike slip faults.

There are four major events that play a significant role in the amalgamation of greater China. These are:

  • Paleozoic amalgamation of accretion complexes of western and northern China and Mongolia
  • Triassic continent/continent collisions during the Indosinian orogeny
  • Jurassic-Cretaceous active margin development in eastern China
  • Eocene collision of India with Asia which overprinted earlier structures and created new structures that are active today.

This presentation will consist of a model for tectonic evolution of these blocks and reconstruct their paleogeography through Phanerozoic time with special emphasis on western China. Our study includes maps at 1:8 million scale covering six time periods, three in the Mesozoic and three in the Cenozoic.

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