Late Paleozoic deformation and tectonic significance of the South Central Tianshan Shear Zone, Kawabulake area, East Tianshan, NW China: Constraints from quartz fabrics and geochronologic data

Model for the tectonic evolution of the SCTSZ within the Kawabulake area, showing the SCTSZ within the Kawabulake area was involved in two ductile deformation events (three stages) during the late Paleozoic. The D1 event (400–290 Ma) was caused by the clockwise rotation of the Tarim Craton and the oblique subduction of the South Tianshan Ocean crust beneath the CTB. The early stage of D2 (ca. 290 Ma) was associated with the oblique collision between the Tarim Craton and the CTB. The late stage of D2 (276–270Ma) records the convergence of the Tarim Craton and plates north of the CTB. 1 represents Kangguer–Huangshan Shear Zone that occurs along the North Tianshan Ocean; 2 represents North Central Tianshan Shear Zone that separates the CTB and the North Tianshan Belt; 3 represents SCTSZ that separates the CTB and the South Tianshan Belt; 4 represents Xingeer Shear Zone that separates the Tarim Craton and the South Tianshan Belt; CTB is the abbreviation for Central Tianshan Block; YB is the abbreviation for Yili Block; KO is the abbreviation for Kazakhstan Orocline; SCTSZ is the abbreviation for South Central Tianshan Shear Zone.