| Session Description |
The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB, or the Altaids) is celebrated for its orogenic style and the world's largest site of juvenile crustal formation in the Phanerozoic. CAOB provides a prime example for study of accretionary tectonics and growth of the continental crust in the late part of the Earth's history. In general, CAOB comprises a variety of tectonic units including Precambrain cratonic blocks (microcontinents), ancient island arcs, fragments of ocean island and seamount, ocean plateaux, accretionary complexes, ophiolites and passive continental margins. However, it is the voluminous granitic intrusions, mostly of juvenile character, that distinguish the CAOB from other classic Phanerozoic orogenic belts, such as the Caledonides and Hercynides. The tectonic style of individual orogens, the assembly and evolution of the entire CAOB, and the mechanism for the generation of massive juvenile felsic magma are still much debated. We invite contributions from all fields to the discussion of the tectonic evolution of the CAOB and crustal growth in the Phanerozoic. Study areas are not limited to Central Asia. Similar topics on other continents are equally encouraged. |
