Plate Morphotectonic Map of Asia and Surroundings (1 sheet) （Attach instruction Book）

Author: Cheng Zhi Ming
Language: Chinese and English bilingual
ISBN/ISSN: 9787503022630
Published on: 2011-01
Paperback

The important research results of Asian geosciences—General Geomorphic Map of Land and Sea of Asia and Surroundings and Plate Morphotectonic Map of Asia and Surroundings, as well as its matching monograph An Outline of Asia’s Geomorphic Sphere and Its Plate Morphotectonics, have been developed successfully,and will publish openly. This project which has taken 18 years is funded jointly by National Natural Science Foundation of China, Department of Basic Research, Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Russian Foundation for Basic Research, and sponsored by Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Plate Morphotectonic Map of Asia and Surroundings is extended and deepened from General Geomorphic Map of Land and Sea of Asia and Surroundings. For on hand, it is the map for helping analyze the formation dynamic of tectonic landform of Asian land and sea, for the other hand, it is the Independent map which can show the relationship between plate tectonics and mega-geomorphology. This map describes the Plate Morphotectonics circumstance in Asia and its adjacent seas completely, and displays collision effect because of Indian Plate to the continent of Asia clearly, besides the formation and differentiation of Plates and Subplates in Asia and its surroundings. Among these, the effect of layering of the lithosphere is particularly emphasized, i.e. Mega-geomorphic deformations and GPS measurements reflect movements of the shallow lithosphere, but the movements of the deep lithosphere are caused by seafloor spreading and plates movements. This map expounds the intricate relations between recent plate tectonic and mega-geomorphic formation and deformation, and also tells us geomorphological indicators are helpful to some research effectively.

Attach instruction Book ：An Outline of Asia's Geomorphic Sphere and its Plate Morphotectonics

The important research results of Asia’s geoscience—General Geomorphic Map of Land and Sea of Asia and Surroundings and Plate Morphotectonic Map of Asia and Surroundings as well as their directional monograph An Outline of Asia’s Geomorphic Sphere and Its Plate Morphotectonics, presented as ChineseEnglish bilingual publications will soon come out. This is a research project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Department of Basic Research, Ministry of Science & Technology of China，and the Foundation of Fundamental Investigations of Russia. The research results are sponsored by the Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences that lasted for many years on the basis of cooperation between China and Russia. Facing the rapid development of economy, the environments, resources and disasters in Asia have attracted extensive attention increasingly, therefore publications of the related results are just what the geoscience circle expected, for this I wish to extend cordial greetings.

The mapping regions covers about 35% of the earth’ s surface, this is obvious that the enormous amount and great diversity of the information is required to serve the purpose of giving a fully fletched picture of the geomorphic characteristics of a complex mapping area covering about thirty percent of the earth’s surface, and it could not be compiled in one single map without serious overloading that would be detrimental to its legibility. The chief editor, CHEN Zhiming, therefore decided with justification to present the elements related to plate morphotectonic characteristics in a separate map and at a smaller scale because plate tectonic units are usually larger than landform units. The final result of the research, now available in print, is an invaluable scientific document about the evolution of the earth’s surface. Several scientific organizations and numerous individual scientists from China and other countries have cooperated and helped in the project.

The development research of the two maps notice to absorbs various research results from related geoscience. The topography data of the maps are derived from the Topographic Map of the World 1∶5 000 000 and several other existing map series in scales of 1∶1 000 000 or less, mainly printed in China and the former Soviet Union, and including maps of the submarine topography made by the U.S. National Geographic Society. The thematic information is in the first place derived from the numerous existing smallscale geomorphic and landform maps covering smaller or larger terrestrial and oceanic parts of the area. Further, all available geologic and tectonic smallscale maps of Asia have been used and all relevant scientific publications have been consulted. Important new information was obtained from satellite imagery that greatly facilitates the study of megageomorphology and visualizes the major structural elements of the earth’s surface. The developments in the concept of plate tectonics in recent decades and the capacity to precisely measure lateral movements of the earth crust by GPS (Global Positioning System) have opened new scientific vistas for the correct interpretation of the geomorphic information gathered from small scale maps and satellite imagery. These concepts thus played a key role in the project that focuses on morphostructures affected by tectonic mobility and exogenous geomorphic processes, as is evident from the hierarchic legend of the maps.

The methodology of geomorphologic mapping originated in continental Europe in the mid 20th century. The methods and hierarchic legends of largescale geomorphic maps were in those days particularly studied in the smaller European countries while the legends of smallscale geomorphologic mapping, with morphostructures as the highest classification category, were especially developed in the Soviet Union where much larger territories had to be mapped. Prof. CHEN Zhiming has good cooperation with many Russian geomorphologists and geologists, and learned the methods of megageomorphologic research and the techniques of geomorphologic mapping there from Prof. I.P. Gerasimov. He thereafter introduced and also further developed these methods adapting them to meet the needs of his own large country, China. The concepts and legends of the Chinese geomorphic maps thus conform international standards but on the other hand also show considerable originality, for instance where aspects of morphoclimatic zoning, including the plate morphotectonics of Asia and surrounding seas in recent years, are concerned.

The methodology and cartographic elaboration of the General Geomorphic Map at the scale of 1∶8 000 000 is rooted in morphotectonics, considering that largescale geomorphic patterns are primarily the result of internal dynamic processes in the earth, while the external processes of denudation and accumulation contribute to their surface configuration. Internal processes and material structures are dominant in areas of denudation while the external processes there are of secondary importance. In areas of accumulation to the contrary, the internal processes are a minor factor and modes and variations of accumulation processes become dominant. This is clearly reflected in the legend that thus optimises the legibility of the map. Subdivision of the main geomorphic zones in high geomorphologic units is by obvious boundary and its code. The map contents includes information on  basic types of landformusing the criteria of elevation and relief amplitude； structural geomorphic types—for hilly/mountainous terrain, accumulation basins and submarine areas respectively； continental morphostructuresclassifying landforms sculptured in specific geological structures and rock types；  morphoclimatic zones and the variety of exogenous processes.

CONTENTS

Foreword One 1
Foreword Two 5
Preface 7

Chapter 1 Introduction
§1.1 The theoretic bases for research of both maps1
1.1.1 Concepts of global geomorphology and its modern
development 1
1.1.2 Modern concept of geomorphic sphere and its application
in both maps 3
1.1.2.1 Modern concept on formation causes of geomorphic
sphere3
1.1.2.2 Form and material attributes of geomorphic sphere 4
1.1.2.3 Motion and evolution attributes of geomorphic
sphere 5

1.1.3 Concept of plate layering and its largegeomorphic
response 8
1.1.3.1 Concepts of plate layering and its rotation
collision8
1.1.3.2 Motions of plates and subplates and responsive
principle of mega-geomorphology 9

1.1.4 The global uniqueness of the Asian morphotectonics 10
1.1.4.1 The largest and youngest continent and its tectonic
significance 10
1.1.4.2 Coexistencemosaic of the intracontinental cratons
orogens 11
1.1.4.3 Connection of active and passive continental margins,
confrontation of southern and northern passive
margins 11

§1.2 The research methods and mapping principles of the two
maps 12
1.2.1 Research and mapping methods of the two Asian maps 12
1.2.1.1 Comparative analyses of satellite image, thematic map
and topographic map 13
1.2.1.2 Unified paleomagnetic data in oceans and continents
and forwardinverse analysis of tectonics and
landform 13
1.2.1.3 Classifying methods of vertical layer, formational
phase and active state on faultsystem 14

1.2.2 Editing principles and representation of the both maps 17
1.2.2.1 Editing principles of the general geomorphologic map of
land and sea 17
1.2.2.2 Representative contents and legend system of the
general geomorphologic map of land and sea 19
1.2.2.3 Compilation contents and legends of the plate
morphotectonic map 24
1.2.3 The editing data basis of the two maps 27

Chapter 2 LandSea Tectonic Geomorphic Outline of General Geomorphic Map
§2.1 Basic term and classifying principles of endogenic
geomorphology 29
2.1.1 Three basic terms and concept of endogenic landform29
2.1.1.1 Concept difference of morphotectonics and tectonic
landform 29
2.1.1.2 Concept difference of morphotectonics and
morphostructure 30
2.1.2 Classifying principle and mapping basis of tectonic
geomorphology 30
2.1.2.1 Plate tectonic basis and the related terms of
mountain endogenetic landforms classifying 31
2.1.2.2 Geomorphologic basis and their terms of mountain
tectonic landform classifying 32
§2.2 Land and sea tectonic geomorphic outline of the general
geomorphic map 33
2.2.1 Tectonic landform synopsis in continent denuded
mountain 33
2.2.1.1 Intercontinental collision type young orogenic system
(Ⅰ Class) 34
2.2.1.2 Intercontinental regeneratedrejuvenated mt.system
(Ⅱ Class) 35
2.2.1.3 Intracontinental craton epeirogeic type reviving
relict Mts.(Ⅲ Class) 37
2.2.1.4 Pal. cont. margin land and sea transition
circumoceanic mt.syst.(Ⅳ Class) 37
2.2.1.5 Recent cont. margin convergediverged type young
mts. (Ⅴ Class) 38

2.2.2 Brief introduction on the class and order of tectonic
landform of continental accumulated basin 38
2.2.2.1 Compressed downfaulting basins related to
continental collision(Ⅵ Class) 38
2.2.2.2 Margin shearfracture & depressed basins of Craton
rotation(Ⅶ Class) 40
2.2.2.3 Circumoceanic basins related cont.margin shear
fracture (Ⅷ Class) 41
2.2.3 Brief introduction on classes and orders for continental
shelves & submarine tectonic landforms 42
2.2.3.1 Shelf seas on continental margin（Ⅸ Class） 42
2.2.3.2 Seamounts, seaplatform & searidges（Ⅹ Class） 43
2.2.3.3 Troughs， marginal seas & intercont. relict
seas (Ⅺ Class ) 43
2.2.3.4 Consuming boundaries of oceanic plate—trenches
(Ⅻ Class) 44
2.2.3.5 Oceanic basins & midoceanic ridges (Ⅹ Ⅲ Class) 45

Chapter 3 Outline of Continent Climatic Landforms of General Geomorphic Map
§3.1 Climatic landform classifications 47
3.1.1 Glacialcryogenic morphogenetic class (Ⅰ) 47
3.1.2 Cryogenicfluvial periglacial class (Ⅱ) 48
3.1.3 Cryogenicsubcryogenic permafrostfluvial landform
class (Ⅲ) 48
3.1.3.1 Permafrost cryogenicfluvialmass movements
subclass (IIIa) 48
3.1.3.2 Paleoperiglacial modern fluvialslope erosion
subclass (IIIb) 49
3.1.4 Experience various morphologic process class under cold
warm and dryhumid alternate (IV) 49
3.1.4.1 Monsoon fluvial morphogenetic subclass undergoing
paleocryogenic processes (IVa) 49
3.1.4.2 Monsoon morphoclimatic subclass undergoing
subtropical and periglacial processes (IVb) 49
3.1.4.3 Monsoon influential steppeforest steppe denudation
erosion subclass (IVc) 49
3.1.4.4 Inland temperate steppe denudation subdass (IVd) 49

3.1.5 Aeolian landform class (V) 49
3.1.5.1 Sandy desert subclass of aeolian process (Va) 49
3.1.5.2 Rockyclayey desert subclass of fluvialaeolian
processes (Vb) 50

3.1.6 Subtropical morphogenetic class with stronger weathering
and denudation (VI) 50
3.1.7 Aridhumid tropical morphogenetic class with strong
denudation and erosion (VII) 51
3.1.7.1 Peritropical morphogenetic subclass undergoing
typical paleotropics (VIIa) 51
3.1.7.2 Monsoon rainforest tropical morphogenetic subclass
with thick redresiduum (VIIb) 51
3.1.7.3 Savanna denudational morphogenetic subclass
undergoing hotwetter processes (VIIc) 51

3.1.8 Equatorial humid tropical morphogenetic class of double
denudations (VIII) 51
3.1.9 Mountain vertical zonality class on horizontal zone (IX)52
3.1.9.1 Polar and subpolar mountain subclass (IXa) 52
3.1.9.2 Temperate humidsemihumid mountain subclass (IXb) 52
3.1.9.3 Arid and semiarid mountain subclass (IXc) 52
3.1.9.4 Humid subtropicaltropical mountain subclass
(IXd~e) 53
3.1.9.5 Extremely high mountain subclass of multiple
zonality (IXf) 53
3.1.9.6 Permafrost plateau subclass (IXg) 53

§3.2 Special types, representation and patterns of
distribution54
3.2.1 Glacial and cryogenic processes and relevant landform
phenomena 54
3.2.2 Karst landform 54
3.2.3 Arid eolian sand depositional and erosional landforms 55
3.2.4 Loess, laterite and their relevant landforms 55

Chapter 4 Plate Morphotectonic Synopses of Continent and Ocean
§4.1 Morphotectonic history synopses of continental plate
rotation and collision 58
4.1.1 Rotation and collision events of the North American to
the Eurasian Plates—intercontinental sea formation of
Arctic Ocean 58
4.1.2 Rotation and collision events and their morphotectonic
features of the PanAfrican to the Eurasian Plates 59
4.1.3 Arabian rotationcollision events to Eurasia—formation
of Arabian Plate and its frontal mts.arc 61
4.1.4 Greater India rotationcollision to Asia—both mts.arcs
formation of Gangdise and Himalayas 62

§4.2 Recent motion of the Pacific Plate and its morphotectonic
history synopsis in East Asia 66
4.2.1 NNWwards motion of Northwest Pacific during 122~58
Ma (K51~E21) 66
4.2.1.1 The responses events of continental margin in
Northeast Asia 66
4.2.1.2 The responses events of continental margine from Far
East to South China 67
4.2.1.3 Huge deformation of left shear fracture in outside
of circumoceanic fault of China 67
4.2.2 SWSSWwards motion of the West Pacific during 58~12 Ma
(E21~N51) 68
4.2.2.1 Formation of a series of marginal seas in the West
Pacific 69
4.2.2.2 Response of seafloor landforms and sediments in the
Northwest Pacific 70

§4.3 Modern intraplate movement and its conceptual model 72
4.3.1 Argument basis for conceptual model of modern intraplate
movement of Asia and its adjacent seas 72
4.3.1.1 The necessity of present dynamic regionsystem
division to modeling 72
4.3.1.2 The division of vertical layers on present plate and
subplates 73
4.3.1.3 The modeling method of the plate movement and its
geomorphic response shown by the oceanic ridge
reference frame and sealand paleomagnetism 74
4.3.1.4 The problem of applying GPS data to study the
kinematics of intraplate subplates 75
4.3.2 Modern submarine spreading rate of continental periphery
and its redistribution in intercontinent 76
4.3.2.1 The spreading rate of Arctic Ocean and its
redistribution in North Eurasia 76
4.3.2.2 The spreading rate of the N. Atlantic Ocean and its
effect on the crustal movement of Europe 77
4.3.2.3 The spreading rate of S.AtlanticSW.Indian Oceans
and its action of plate margin on Africa and
Eurasia 78
4.3.2.4 The spreading rate of the N. Indian Ocean and its
redistribution in midsouth Asia and SE. Asia 79
4.3.2.5 The spreading rate of the NE. Indian Ocean and
SW.Pacific Ocean and its effect on SE. Asia and
Australia 80
4.3.2.6 Sea and land interaction dynamic regionsystem and
their present moving of circumoceanic inner zone 81
4.3.2.7 W.Pacific spreading rate and its redistribution in
the outer continental margin of East Asia 85

Concluding Remarks of the Asia’s Two Maps 90
Main References 93