Geological structures in the Ashi region,Xinjiang

The geological structures in the Ashi region,southern Junggar Basin,Xinjiang are highly deformed under the influence of thrusting of the North Tianshan orogenic systems.The overthrust nappes occur on a great range of scales in the study area,as indicated by field geological survey and seismic exploration.The widespread Carboniferous outcrops in the western part of the Toutunhe structures in the Ashi region are interpreted as the exotic blocks left over by overthrusting and erosion.Referenced to the previous research on the sedimentary evolution,basin framework,deposition of the Triassic and Jurassic strata,and sedimentary facies analysis during the Jurassic,the authors contend that the southern boundary of the Junggar Basin should be moved further southwards to the extent of the Jurassic strata.Except the pre-existing three anticline zones,another anticline zone represented by Toutunhe anticline should be added at the basin-range junction right near North Tianshan Mountains.