The Late Neoproterozoic-Early Palaeozoic suture zones within the Central Orogenic Belt of China can be considered a system-the Kunlun-Qilian-Qinling suture system (KQQ suture system). It is basically divided into the western, central and eastern sectors. The western sector consists of the KUda-Subashi suture zone, the Mazar-Kangxiwar suture and the central West Kunlun microblock. The cenbal sector covers the following five suture zones: the Altun, North Qilian, Qaidam northern marginal, Qimantag-Wutuo and East Kunlun southern marginal sutures, in addition to some microblocks such as the mid-south Qilian. Qaidam. Ayakkum and Maqen microblocks. The eastern sector is composed of the Shangdan suture zone, Mianlile suture zone and central Qinling-Dabie microblock. The KQQ suture system experienced (1) extending-rifting of the Rodinia supercontinent in the early-middle Sinian (-78(Moo Ma); (2) the formation and evolution of the KQQ archipelagic ocean during the Late Sinian-ordovician (-600-440 Ma), and (3) closing of the KQQ Ocean and forming of the KQQ suture system during the Late Ordovician-early Silurian (-440400 Ma). As a system comprising many suture zones and microblocks. the KQQ suture system constitutes the foundation of the Central Orogenic Belt of China.
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