Extended crust
| Oceanic crust:
0–20 Ma
20–65 Ma
|
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Ageologic province is a spatial entity with common geologic attributes.[1] A province may include a single dominant structural element such as a basin or a fold belt, or a number of contiguous related elements. Adjoining provinces may be similar in structure but be considered separate due to differing histories.
Province | Definition | Subcategories | Examples |
---|---|---|---|
Shield | Exposed Precambrian crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks that form tectonically stable areas | ||
Platform | Horizontal or gently-lying sedimentary strata covering a basementofigneousormetamorphic rocks | ||
Orogen | Linear or arc-shaped formation where continental crust has been folded, deformed and uplifted to form mountain ranges | ||
Basin | Low-lying formation of rock strata formed by tectonic warping of previously horizontal strata | ||
Large igneous province | Accumulation of igneous rocks, including liquid rock (intrusive) or volcanic rock formations (extrusive) | ||
Extended crust | Continental crust thinned due to extensional strain |
Some studies classify provinces based upon mineral resources, such as mineral deposits. There are a particularly large number of provinces identified worldwide for petroleum and other mineral fuels, such as the Niger Delta petroleum province.
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