A review of the Late Mesozoic magmatic arc in Borneo with slab subduction models

Abstract

Borneo is at the critical junction of two tectonic domains. The Schwaner magma arc and the Meratus and Lupar subduction complexes are the prominent features of Borneo in the Late Mesozoic, which result from the subduction of Tethys or/and paleo-Pacific domains. The current research level of Mesozoic geology in Borneo is not high. The lack of combined studies of geology, geochemistry and geophysics, and the lack of comparative studies in the region around South China Sea areas have restricted the overall understanding of Borneo's magmatic arc evolution and slab subduction model. The Late Mesozoic magmatic arc in Borneo is either related to the northwestward subduction of the Meso-Tethys slab, or the southward subduction of the proto-South China Sea slab, or possibly both, controled by the Tethys and paleo-Pacific domains. The pre-Cretaceous tectonic affinity of SW Borneo is either with the Cathaysia block or as a fragment of the eastern Sundaland, or it may be an exotic block from the Gondwana continent. The combination from sea to land, and the multidisciplinary, regional, comprehensive, and comparative research should be strengthened in the future, focusing on magmatic arc, ophiolite, subduction complex, regional fault, and Mesozoic basins, etc. These help to trace the evolved geodynamic controls of the Late Mesozoic continental margin in Borneo by Tethys or/and paleo-Pacific slab subduction. It will deepen the regional understanding of the Late Mesozoic arc-basin system, basin prototype, and oil and gas exploration and potential in areas of the South China Sea.

Keywords

• magmatic arc
• late mesozoic
• slab subduction model
• borneo