Strike-slip related tectogenesis and structure-forming flow of crustal masses of the Asia-Pacific transition zone

Research subject. This study was aimed at examining the strike-slip related tectogenesis of the Asia-Pacific transition zone (APTZ).

Materials and methods. The research was based on the materials collected by the author during long-term fieldwork across the territories of Primorye, Khabarovsk Krai and, partly,Vietnam. Extensive materials on the topic of the APTZ tectogenesis published by researchers fromRussia,China andJapan were analysed. Investigations involved the study of structural and kinematic assemblages representing the forms, directions and time of crustal mass flows under the strike-slip related tectogenesis of the East Asian global strike-slip fault zone (EAGSSFZ).

Results. The EAGSSFZ consists of three transit strike-slip fault systems (zones) playing the role of the APTZ basic deep fault structures. Its master system (MS) is NNE (25–30°) trending longitudinally to theAsia edge. The MS is bordered by diagonal NE 50–70° trending near-continental and meridional near-oceanic EAGSSFZ systems. The MS controls the East Asian volcano-plutonic belt (EAVPB), demarcating the APTZ into internal (near-continental) and external (near-oceanic) zones. Two stages of the strike-slip related tectogenesis were established: orogenic-constructive (Jurassic–to–Late-Cretaceous) and riftogenic-destructive (Late Cretaceous–to–Cenozoic). The riftogenic destruction broke the previously formed orogenic foldedthrust structures, thus causing the EAVPB magmatic succession from intracrustal intrusions (Early Cretaceous) to volcanics (Late-Cretaceous-to-Cenozoic). An increase in the crustal destruction during the end of Cretaceous to Cenozoic resulted in the formation of epicontinental sedimentary basins and deep-sea riftogenic depressions of marginal seas. The structure-forming flow of the APTZ crustal masses occurred in the SSW 180–250° direction being opposite and obliquely opposite towards the NNW subduction direction of oceanic plates.

Conclusion. The kinematic disconformity as well as the coincidence of the continental crust flow (plate flows) with the direction of inertial-and-equator-oriented forces allowed the author to determine the structuring of the transition zone as a process independent of the geodynamics of oceanic plates and subordinate to the rotational geodynamics of the non-uniformly rotating Earth. 

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