A study of paleogeographic positions of the stable East Asian blocks in the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic

Principal Investigator: Dr. Yi Zhiyu

Period：2024-2027

Project Description:

The East Asian blocks (EABs) form an important part of Pangea and the paleogeographic position of which plays a key role in the reconstruction of the supercontinent. Recent paleomagnetic studies suggested that the EABs underwent multiple U-turns on its way north to Siberia, probably due to the Mesozoic true polar wander oscillations. However, due to the serious lack of reliable paleomagnetic data, the history of plate motion and true polar wander for the EABs remains an enigma, leading to conflicting interpretations on the paleogeography and paleoclimate of eastern Pangea. In this study, the late Triassic to early Jurassic igneous rocks (dykes, sills and volcanic rocks) are to be selected from stable EABs (North and South China and Tarim) for a combined geochronologic and paleomagnetic study, seeking for accurate constraints on the paleopositions of EABs. On that basis, the Mesozoic kinematics of the EABs is to be refined; and the relationship between plate motion, environmental change, evolution of biotas and true polar wander is to be explored. This study aims to provide a set of novel and high-quality data for the reconstruction of paleogeography and paleoclimate of eastern Pangea, which is an important foundation for understanding geodynamics of the Earth system during the supercontinent period.