The timescale of plume-driven cratonization: A complete record from Tarim

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Cratonization of the Tarim block in central Asia is finalized by the Permian Tarim plume that welded two cratonic nuclei together. Hence, the over-10-km-thick Tarim basin preserves a complete record of deformation and growth strata before, during, and after the plume-driven cratonization. Here we use seismic reflection data from the central Tarim basin to quantify the timing and style of the Paleozoic–Mesozoic deformation. The thrust and strike-slip faults there all underwent an early, intense deformation stage in the earliest Ordovician–Middle Devonian, a hiatus stage from Late Devonian to Late Permian, and a newly-discovered stage of weak activity throughout the Mesozoic. The intracontinental deformation is controlled by the subduction and accretion surrounding the Tarim block. The minor, but non-zero, Mesozoic strains reflect the ongoing adjustment to far-field compressions during the cooling and strengthening of the plume-stitched continental lithosphere. The cessation of interior deformation marks that the Tarim cratonization is finally attained ~200 Myr after the plume waned