Mesozoic evolution of exotic terranes and marginal seas, western North America

摘要: Abstract Regional terrane analysis has been combined with a global evaluation of plate kinematics to produce new tectonic model for the Mesozoic evolution western North America and its associated marginal seas. The employs two-tiered data reliability ranking system resolve conflicts within sets. lower tier involves assignment numerical rank paleomagnetic and/or paleobiogeographic based on each set's reliability. upper places in perspective by assigning relative order importance different types data. most reliable are considered be “departure” (rift) “arrival” (collision) times that tightly constrained independent Evidence subduction strike-slip motion also ranks high master system. Paleomagnetic vertebrate come next hierarchy, followed invertebrate floral Application this approach case study, “Baja British Columbia” controversy, resulted coherent entire region. Results derived from application modelling problem assembly suggest may modeled using minimum 57 large terranes. Oblique convergence have dominant process along American margin during Mesozoic, causing large-scale latitudinal transport many exotic motions terranes produced number seas (“Yukonia”, etc.) were short-lived but important components tectonics. A combination collision events, side-swiping episodes changes led initiation several regional upheavals, including Nevadan Sevier orogenies.