GEOTECTONICS AND GEODYNAMICS OF PALEOZOIC STRUCTURES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PLUME TECTONICS: A CASE OF KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

Based on data from comprehensive studies of the international geotraverse system in Kazakhstan, lithosphere models were constructed to a depth of 100-200 km, which revealed the heterogeneous block structure of the upper mantle. The asthenosphere in geosuture zones rises to the level of 80-100 km, and asthenoliths penetrate into the earth's crust above the Moho border. The penetration of the plume and the intrusion of mantle and asthenosphere substances into the lithosphere led to a local uplift and the formation of a stationary nucleus, bounded by geosutures of the ring structure of the Kazakh continent – Qazaqia. The formation of such a peculiar geological structure is associated with the effect of superplumes in the Paleozoic and is clearly visible on geological and tectonic maps. In all paleogeographic reconstructions of the Paleozoic, Kazakhstan is shown as an isolated and integral continent. The pulsation of the planet and the gradual penetration of the mantle superplume into the lithosphere caused vertical movements in Qazaqia. Depending on the direction of the inclination angles of deep faults, the geosutures extending into the mantle represented compression or extension zones with a width of tens to hundreds of kilometers or more. Molten mantle substances with ore-bearing substances penetrated into these weakened zones, sometimes reaching the Earth's surface. The proposed model of the geodynamic development of Kazakhstan's territory can serve as a theoretical basis for forecasting mineral deposits.