Tectonic movements from the late Neoproterozoic to the Late Devonian in the central-western segment of the Paleo-Asian Ocean tectonic domain

The Paleo-Asian Ocean tectonic domain represents a composite orogenic belt encompassing accretionary arc-basin systems south of the East European Craton, the primary oceanic basin, and the continental margin system north of the Karakum-Tarim-North China Craton. This dynamic system hosts significant orogenic systems, including the Sayans-Erguna, Ural-Tianshan-Xingmeng, and Kunlun-Qilian-Qinling orogenic systems. The region preserves valuable geological records of orogenic processes from the late Neoproterozoic to the Devonian, providing critical insights into the evolution of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. This paper focuses on the central-western segment of the Paleo-Asian Ocean's dynamic system. It synthesizes previous research findings and categorizes tectonic movements from the late Neoproterozoic to thelate Devonian into five key orogenic events: ① The Baikal orogeny, which facilitated the assembly of the Tuva and Abakan blocks onto the southern margin of the Siberian Craton, characterized by accretionary processes. ② The Sayan-Erguna orogeny, marked by the successive attachment of the Altai and South Mongolia blocks to the southern margin of the Siberian Craton, resulting in the formation of the Sayans-Erguna accretionary orogenic system. ③ The Kazakhstan orogeny, occurring during the Middle to Late Ordovician, which led to the closure of the oceanic basin between the Kokchetav, Zaisan, Kyzylkum, Balkhash-Ili, Issyk, central Tianshan, and Dzungarian blocks, ultimately forming the Kazakhstan united landmass. ④ The Caledonian orogeny, which took place at the end of the Silurian (continuing in the eastern and western Kunlun until the end of the Middle Devonian), resulted in the assembly of the Azhong, central Qilian, South Qilian, Qaidam, West Qinling united, Qinling, and Upper Yangtze blocks onto the southern margin of the central continental block area, contributing to continental accretion. ⑤ The Tianshan orogeny, occurring from the end of the Middle Devonian to the Late Devonian, which connected the central-western segment of the central continental block area with the expanded Siberian landmass. This study enhances our understanding of the complex tectonic history of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and its implications for regional geology. © 2025 Geological Society of China. All rights reserved.