PERMIAN GEODYNAMIC SETTING OF NORTHEAST CHINA AND ADJACENT REGIONS: CLOSURE OF THE PALEO-ASIAN OCEAN AND SUBDUCTION OF THE PALEO-PACIFIC PLATE

Abstract

Northeast China and adjacent regions are located in the central East Asian continent and consist tectonically of both the Paleo-Asian and Paleo-Pacific orogens between the Siberian platform and Sino-Korean (North China) block. This paper discusses some hotly-debated issues concerning the Permian geodynamic setting of these regions, based on a comprehensive analysis of available geological, geochemical, paleobiogeographical and paleomagnetic data. Spatial and temporal distribution of ophiolites and associated continental marginal sequences, Permian sedimentary sequences, spatial distribution and geochemistry of Permian magmatic rocks, and the evolution of paleobiogeographical realms imply: (1) that the Permian marine basins in northeast China and adjacent regions include remnants of the Paleo-Asian Ocean in southeastern Inner Mongolia and central Jilin Province, and active continental margins of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean; (2) that the suture between the Siberian and Sino-Korean paleoplates was finally emplaced in the Permian and is located in areas from Suolunshan (Solonker) eastwards through regions north to the Xar Moron river in southeastern Inner Mongolia, and then central Jilin province to the Yanji area; and (3) that the Permian crustal evolution of northeast China and adjacent regions, as well as parts of the Siberian paleoplate, was influenced by subduction of the Paleo-Pacific oceanic plate. Finally, the Permian tectonic framework and paleogeography of northeast China and adjacent regions in central East Asia are discussed briefly, and Early and Late Permian palinspastic reconstruction maps are provided. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.