Albian–Cenomanian Orogenic Belt and Igneous Province of Pacific Asia

Abstract

Geological data and about 300 precision geochronological and geochemical determinations are analyzed to identify the Albian–Cenomanian continental-margin orogenic belt and simultaneous igneous province of Pacific Asia. The orogenic belt represents a newly formed region of continental lithosphere that resulted from the deformation of mainly Jurassic–Early Cretaceous epioceanic terranes. The igneous province is made up of volcanic and intrusive complexes of mostly Albian age, which are syn-orogenic within the belt and post-orogenic beyond it. The igneous rocks include A-, I-, and S-type granitoids; adakites; and VAB- and OIB-type basalts and their intrusive analogues. Both the orogenic belt and the igneous province were formed in a tectonic setting of a transform continental margin between 110 and 95 Ma. The interval of 103–97 Ma became the peak of orogenic and magmatic activity caused by upwelling of the hot asthenospheric mantle through destructed stagnant slabs of the pre-Albian subduction. The Albian–Cenomanian age of the large gold, copper, tungsten, tin, and other ore deposits argues in favor of recognition of the corresponding metallogenic province. The first age data (100–97 Ma) are reported for the granite from the Malmyzh deposit within the Sikhote-Alin Ridge.