--> Abstract: Regional Tectonic Evolution of Greater China, by P. O. Yilmaz and I. O. Norton; #90942 (1997).

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Abstract: Regional Tectonic Evolution of Greater China

YILMAZ, P.O., I.O. NORTON

Tectonic domains of Greater China are discussed with a summary of stratigraphy, structure and timing of events. In our usage, tectonic assemblages include Precambrian and older domains, accretionary complexes, melange and flysch belts, sutures, rifted crust and oceanic crust. Also mapped were igneous rocks and their chemistry, major structures and timing of deformation.

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

There are five major tectonic events that played significant roles in 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 amalgamation of Tibet and North China to Tarim and Mongolia; Jurassic-Cretaceous active margin development in eastern China; and Eocene collision of India with Asia which overprinted earlier structures and created new structures that are active today.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90942©1997 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Vienna, Austria