SOME FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEMS OF TECTONICS AND GEODYNAMICS OF THE CENTRAL ASIAN FOLDED BELT

Abstract

This study addresses some fundamental problems of tectonics and geodynamics of the Central Asian folded belt, the largest tectonic structure in Eurasia. The article presents results of long-term researches conducted by scientists and geologists specialized in various disciplines which contribute to the knowledge of the origin and breakup of Rodinia and formation of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. It considers problems of development of the Central Asian folded belt that was formed in the area of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and describes its subduction magmatism and marginal-marine sedimentation, formation of island arcs, processes of exhumation of the oceanic crust and formation of high-pressure blueschist and eclogite-blueschist complexes. Outstanding fundamental issues of the geodynamic evolution of the Central Asian folded belt are noted.

Keywords

• tectonics
• geodynamics
• indicative complexes
• paleo-asian ocean
• central asian folded belt
• island arcs
• back-arc basins