Tectonic model of archipelagic arc-basin systems: The key to the continental geology

Based on the last more than 30 years' field geological survey and research on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau as the main part of eastern Tethys and the comparative study with the present-day southwestern Pacific regional arcbasin tectonic systems, the authors in the present paper propose a realist alternative model, namely the tectonic model of archipelagic arc-basin systems, which is suitable for explaining the plate tectonic theory landing on the continents. The tectonic model of archipelagic arc-basin systems between the oceanic lithosphere and continental lithosphere is interpreted to be the rudimental guide of plate tectonic theory landing on the continents and the key to understanding the geological evolution of the continents. According to this model, the Tethys Ocean was initiated during the late stage of the Late Precambrian older than the Pacific systems, during which the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent came into existence. The formation of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau was controlled by the tectonic evolution of the continental marginal archipelagic arc-basin systems in different periods. The consumption of a series of back-arc or inter-arc basins and island-arc orogenesis triggered by arc-arc or arc-continental collision gave rise to the continental marginal accretion. The realistic model can successfully explain the formation and evolution of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, and will be tested by further geological research of the Tethyan tectonic domain and the Asian continents. The recognition and research of archipelagic arc-basin systems not only lead to a better understanding of compositions, textures and structures, and evolutionary history in orogenic belts, but also have important implications for recongnizing the basement formation of the Precambrian continental craton.