.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
Return
Microplate subdivision, terrane identification and intra-terrane stratigraphic framework of the Arabian Shield—volcanic arcs priming the planet for the Cryogenian?
.png){kind=icon}
PRE
AI
A
M
P
P
J
C
F
M
R
S
M
P
R
F
N
A
W
DOI：10.1016/j.earscirev.2026.105651.png)
.png){kind=icon}
Original request for help.png){kind=icon}
Share.png){kind=icon}
Save
Abstract
En 中文
The Arabian Shield is an extensive region of poorly understood, largely Neoproterozoic, volcanic arc-related rock systems with known metal mineralisation that is found mainly within Saudi Arabia. The volcanic arcs that were responsible for much of the formation of the region were also active during considerable turbulence in many Earth surface systems—the significance of which is presently unquantified. Here we propose that the Shield be divided into 14 terranes and systematically review the lithostratigraphy of each terrane, place the geology into a chronostratigraphic framework by reviewing the available geochronology and suggest a tectonic evolution of the region in the context of microplate formation, the subduction of the Mozambique Ocean and the formation of Gondwana. Two Tonian to early Cryogenian microplates developed: One in the east of the region consists of the Khida-Siham, Suwaj and Ha'il terranes, with a second microplate consisting of the Jiddah, Bidah, An Nimas, Al Qarah-Malahah and Tathlith terranes (now found in the west of the Kingdom). This latter microplate was joined by the Hijaz and Midyan terranes in the Cryogenian and formed an Arabian-Nubian microplate that collided with the active margin of nascent Africa and the Khida-Siham, Suwaj, Ha'il microplate by the beginning of the Ediacaran. The Ad Dawadmi terrane developed as a turbidite-dominated basin to the east of this amalgam and closed with the Ediacaran collision of the Ar Rayn terrane—the easternmost exposed, and youngest, terrane in the Arabian Shield.
Journal
E
IF:
10
Papers:
3.8K
Citations:
4.2W
Organization
Cited Papers