Intra-platform tectono-sedimentary response to geodynamic transition along the margin of the Tarim Basin, NW China

Abstract

The Tarim Basin has experienced three tectonic evolutionary phases from the Cambrian to Ordovician: (1) Regional extension from the late Neoproterozoic to Mid-Early Cambrian, (2) Relatively weak regional compression from the Late Cambrian to Mid-Early Ordovician, and (3) Regional compression during the Late Ordovician. Intra-platform tectonic and sedimentary characteristics indicate a clear linkage to the tectonic evolution of the basin margin during early Paleozoic time. During the Cambrian, small intra-platform rift-related depressions formed during an extensional setting. During the Mid-Early Ordovician, a transition from extension to compression caused formation of the Tazhong and Tabei paleo-uplifts and major unconformities T74 (base of the Late Ordovician). The evolving paleo-geomorphology led to differentiation of sedimentary facies, and numerous intra-platform shoals formed during deposition of the Early Ordovician Yingshan Formation. During the Late Ordovician, regional compression began, which changed the platform margin slopes into four slopes that surrounded the three isolated island uplifts of Tabei, Tazhong, and Tangnan in the Late Ordovician. Simultaneously, the basin margin dynamic conditions also changed the relative sea level and filling pattern of the basin. In the Early and Middle Cambrian, the Tarim Basin mainly developed a progradational ramp-type platform due to relative sea level fall. From the Late Cambrian to Early Ordovician the relative sea level began to rise, resulting in an aggradational—retrograding rimmed margins-type platform. In the Late Ordovician, along with a further rise in relative sea level, the basin mainly developed isolated platform.