Junction and Evolution of the Qinling, Qilian and Kunlun Orogenic Belts

AbstractAs the main part of the “central mountain system” in the continent of China, the Qinling, Qilian and Kunlun orogenic belts have been comprehensively and deeply studied since the 1970s and rich fruits have been reaped. However, these achievements were mostly confined to an individual orogenic belt and the study of the mutual relationship among the three orogenic belts was obliged to depend on comparative studies. Different views were produced therefrom. The material composition and structural features of the junction region show that there are several epicontinental and intracontinental transform faults developed in different periods. Restricted by these transform faults, the large‐scale lateral movements and, as a consequence, complicated magmatism and tectonic deformation took place in the orogenic belts. According to these features, the authors put forward a three‐stage junction and evolution model and point out that there is not a single junction zone traversing from west to east but that the three orogenic belts have been joined progressively by the epicontinental and intracontinental transform faults.