Paleozoic Tian-Shan as a transitional region between the Rheic and Urals-Turkestan oceans

Paleozoic tectonics of the southern Chinese Tianshan: Insights from structural, chronological and geochemical studies of the Heiyingshan ophiolitic mélange (NW China)

“…Eastward extension of this suture zone in China is not clear (Gao et al, 2009) and discussion on this issue is beyond the scope of this study. The suture zone related to the Paleo-Tianshan Ocean (Central Tianshan Suture) is more likely the eastern extension of the Atbashy-Inylchek zone that probably resulted from closure of the Turkestan Ocean (Burtman, 2006;Biske and Seltmann, 2010). The previously proposed north-dipping subduction was mainly based on (1) south-vergent fold-and-thrust system in the southern Tianshan (e.g., Biske and Seltmann, 2009), (2) arc magmatism in the Yili-Kazakhstan block and in Kyrgyzstan Central Tianshan, and (3) previously considered passive margin along the northern Tarim (e.g., Chen et al, 1999;Carroll et al, 2001).…”

Geological evolution of Central Asian Basins and the western Tien Shan Range

“…The North Tien Shan, situated east of the TalasFergana Fault, comprises several Precambrianage blocks as well as Cambrian-Lower Ordovician ophiolites and marine sediments (Biske & Seltmann 2010), overlain by Ordovician-age sediments and volcanic rocks, and cut by I-type granites. The region includes the southern margin of the KazakhKyrgyz continent, which was deformed as a result of subduction and accretion during the Late Carboniferous and Early Permian (i.e.…”

“…The Middle Tien Shan (¼Syrdarya, Naryn or Ishim -Middle Tien Shan microcontinent) comprises a range of Neoproterozoic units which include tillites and acid volcanic rocks (Biske & Seltmann 2010). It is separated from the North Tien Shan by the Terskey Suture (suture of the Terskey Early Palaeozoic ocean; e.g.…”

“…From Middle Devonian to Late Carboniferous times, the Middle Tien Shan probably formed part of the passive margin of the Kazakh -Kyrgyz continent and was characterized by shallow-marine carbonate and siliciclastic sediments (e.g. Alekseev et al 2009;Biske & Seltmann 2010).…”

“…In its western part, the South Tien Shan can be subdivided into several units from west to east (Konopelko et al 2007(Konopelko et al , 2017: the Kyzylkum, Gissar, and Alai (¼Alay) segments west of the Talas -Fergana Fault; and the Kokshal segment to the east. Lithologically they are all similar, comprising Ordovician -mid-Carboniferous pelagic sediments, partly associated with intraplate volcanics, and thick carbonate platforms (mainly Late Devonian -Early Carboniferous in age) which are best developed in the latter two segments (Biske & Seltmann 2010;Seltmann et al 2011). Post-collisional intrusions east and west of the Talas -Fergana Fault are dated as Early Permian (e.g.…”