PALEOPROTEROZOIC TECTONICS AND EVOLUTIONARY MODEL OF THE ONEGA SYNCLINORIUM

Abstract

Consideration is being given to the Onega Paleoproterozoic structure (Onega synclinorium, OS) as a tectonotype of intraplate negative structures, which experience intermittent subsidence over a long period of time. The paper presents a model of the OS and discusses its tectonic evolution. The model is based on the geological and structural data, already published and collected so far by the authors, as well as on the data concerning the OS deep structure, particularly on the interpretation of the 1-EV seismic profile and potential fields. The proposed model illustrates an example of conjectured interaction between different geodynamic factors and explains reasons for the development of the OS throughout the Paleoproterozoic, including the periods of intense subsidence and magmatism, inversions of local basins comprising the Onega trough, and deformations of the Paleoproterozoic strata. An important role in the formation of the OS was played by shear dislocations within an imbricate fan of its controlling Central-Karelian shear zone. The shear dislocations were accompanied by rotation of a large block located to the west of the OS, which led to the rotational-indentational interaction between adjacent blocks and to compensated coexistence among transtensional and transpressional regimes along their separating shear zone. Compensatory dynamic mechanism also manifested itself in crustal layers at the base of the OS. Horizontal flow of the mid-crustal masses and their outflow from the depression were compensated by the development of deep-seated thrust duplexes and uplifts around the depression as well as by the upper crustal extension associated with low-angle dilatant normal faulting. Successive propagation of these faults, dynamically related to shear dislocations within an imbricate fan of the Central Karelia zone, controlled the formation features and southward migration of the OS-contained basins as well as magmatic and syllogenesis-related occurrences. Multilayered subhorizontal flow of low-viscosity rocks at the base and inside the OS section against the background of shear dislocations gave rise to the occurrence of crest-like and diapir-like folding. The processes of OS formation occurred amid the development and localization of active mantle plumes and asthenospheric diapirs. One of the factors of their development and localization were the phenomena of relative decompression within the imbrication fan of the Central Karelian shear zone.

Keywords

• onega paleoproterozoic structure
• intraplate tectonics
• geodynamics
• shear zone
• imbricate fan
• detachment
• seismic profiling