Paleozoic–Cenozoic Tectonics of Central Asia

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the evolution of continental orogenic systems in Central Asia during and between pre-collisional plate convergence (Cordilleran-style orogenesis), syn-collisional plate convergence (collisional orogenesis), and post-collisional tectonic processes within the scope of closing Paleo-Asian and Tethyan ocean basins. A brief introductory chapter outlines the scope and context of the research. Appendix A focuses on the Late Paleozoic closure of the Turkestan ocean basin and subsequent collision between the Karakum–Tarim and Kazakh–Kyrgyz terranes in the South Tian Shan, within the scope of the final amalgamation of the Mesoproterozoic–Permian Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Appendix B focuses on late Cenozoic syn-collisional exhumation of gneiss domes in the India–Asia collision, which is a component of the Triassic–recent Alpine–Himalayan orogenic belt. Abstracts of the results are provided in the respective appendices.