On the Character of the Meso-Cainozoic Tectono-Magmatic Activity in East Asia

Abstract

The character of the Meso-Cainozoic tectono-magmatic activity that was manifested in the vast area of East Asia is examined by taking into account the general trend of the Phanerozoic geological evolution of the present continents. It is suggested that this activity can be regarded as a manifestation of the epiplatformal tectono-magmatic activity which was associated with the rejuvenation of the asthenospheric layer. It is also suggested that the manner of manifestation of the activity was governed, to a considerable extent, by the low permeability of the mature continental crust and also by the oceanward flows presumed in the asthenospheric layer. On the other hand, it is pointed out that the paleotectonic reconstructions based on the plate tectonics concept have not yet provided any satisfactory explanation of the peculiar features that characterized the Meso-Cainozoic geological evolution of East Asia.