Status of Circum-Pacific Map Project--Southwest Quadrant, Mid-1982: ABSTRACT

Abstract

The Geographic and Plate-Tectonic Maps of the Circum-Pacific Maps Project, Southwest Quadrant, have already been published. The Plate-Tectonic Map is a best guess for many areas, because much remains unknown about spreading centers, plate boundaries, and passive margin features. Compilation of the Geologic Map is practically complete, with modification of guidelines so that quadrant geology can be adequately summarized. The fundamental geologic elements within the Quadrant are fragments of Gondwanaland encircled by oceanic crust and plate boundaries; passive margin-style Mesozoic and Cainozoic deposits were added to the Gondwana Paleozoic and Precambrian terrain while interactions at the boundaries between the Pacific, Australia-India, and various Asian Plates were producing other kinds of deposits. Units hosting energy and mineral resources are also emphasized. The concurrent draft compilation for the Quadrant Tectonic Map directly complements the Geologic Map. The draft basically shows plate interiors and plate margins, each divided into basement and cover rock areas. Major orogenies are emphasized and detailed subdivision results in about 50 kinds of mostly strato-tectonic units. Drafts for the quadrant Energy Resources Map are in progress, but little progress has been made on the Mineral Resources Map. Most of the work on the Geodynamics Map is the responsibility of project headquarters. End_of_Article - Last_Page 964------------