| Abstract: | Abstract The northern margin of the Alxa block is the junction of a tectonic units. Four first—order tectonic units are distinguished: 1. the Yagan structural zone characteristic of an immature island arc; 2. the Zhusileng—Hangwula structural zone, which was a passive continental margin in the Early Palaeozoic and was transformed into an active continental margin in the Late Palaeozoic; 3. the Shalazha structural zone characteristic of a mature island arc; 4. the Nuru—Langshan structural zone, which was a Proterozoic orogenic belt and later evolved into an extensional transitional crust in the Palaeozoic. The above—mentioned tectonic units differ remarkably in sedimentary formations, magmatic rock associations, metamorphism and geochemistry and are bounded by faults between one another. |
