The Orogeny in the Altaides1

Abstract Studies of the deformation styles, formation types and isotopic age data indicate that the Altaides has successively experienced 5 stages of orogeny: (1) the Kanas orogeny forming the angular unconformity between the Baihaba Formation (O3) and the Habahe Group (Z‐O2); (2) the Daqiao orogeny (S3‐D1‐2) giving rise to the early Hercynian quasi‐aulacogen extensional continental crust of the area; (3) the Altay orogeny (middle‐ late Hercynian) leading to the oblique intracontinental collision and the formation of large shear arc‐shaped thrust system and representing a strong orogeny stage; (4) the pan‐Altay orogeny (latest Hercynian‐Indosinian) resulting in the uplifting and erosion of the mountains as a whole; (5) the Himalayan movement causing the rejuvenation of fault systems and block uplift of the Altaides since the Cenozoic.