Discussion on rotational tectonic stress field and the genesis of circum-Ordos landmass fault system

Introduction Rotation is a universal form of the motion of matter, such as the rotation of cyclones in the air, eddies in streams and spiral nebulas in the universe. Rotational structure is a commonly seen structure in the crust, such as broom-shaped structure, S-shaped or reverse S-shaped structure, lo-tus-like structure, and turbine-like structure. They are the result of non-uniform motion of matter and dissymmetrical force actions in the nature. Turbine-like structure is the most complete …

Discussion on rotational tectonic stress field and the genesis of circum-Ordos landmass fault system

When the resultant of applied forces does not pass through the center of an active landmass, the landmass will rotate, giving rise to a rotational tectonic stress field. The motion of a fault along the principal stress plane is de-termined by the mechanic features of the plane. Tensile fractures occur on the faults in the direction of the principal extensional stress plane, and fault-depression basins will be formed under a long-term action. Thrusting and over-thrusting occur on faults in the direction of the principal compressional stress plane, or folds may be formed as a result. Information on geology shows that the North China landmass, which remained stable and intact for a long time, became disjointed in the Eogene period. In the course of disjunction, anticlockwise rotation took place in the Shanxi-Hebei-Shaanxi (Jin-Ji-Shan) landmass, giving rise to the fault-depression system in its periphery. In the Pliocene epoch the landmass lost stability and its eastern boundary moved westward. As a result, the Shanxi gra-ben system appeared and Ordos landmass was formed. Structural and mechanic features of the main faults around Jin-Ji-Shan landmass can be explained with principal stress plane of a rotational tectonic stress field.