PALEOZOIC GRANITOID MAGMATISM OF WESTERN TIEN SHAN

The monograph describes the evolution of granitoid magmatism at convergent continental margins during transition from subduction to continental collision in the Hercynian belt of western Tien Shan. Post-collisional late Paleozoic granitoids, representing the main research target, were studied at the former southern passive margin of the Turkestan Ocean in the South Tien Shan terrane, while subduction-related granitoids of the northern active margin were investigated in the Middle Tien Shan. Utilizing state-of-the-art analytical methods, including spot zircon dating and Nd-Sr-Pb-Hf isotope analysis, allowed characterization of crustal structures of the major Tien Shan terranes. Geodynamic settings of principal granitoid suites were established utilizing classification and discrimination diagrams. Based on new geochronological and geochemical data, the geodynamic models, explaining regional compositional variations of granitoids, were constructed. The target readership of this book includes professionals, students and university teachers specialized in geology, petrology and geochemistry.