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Early to Middle Miocene rotational tectonics of the Ou Backbone Range, northeast J apan
Author(s) -
Hosoi Jun,
Okada Makoto,
Gokan Tomohiro,
Amano Kazuo,
Martin Andrew James
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
island arc
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.554
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1440-1738
pISSN - 1038-4871
DOI - 10.1111/iar.12109
Subject(s) - geology , clockwise , paleomagnetism , sedimentary rock , tectonics , tectonic subsidence , structural basin , sedimentary basin , paleontology , volcanism , subsidence , back stripping , volcano , rotation (mathematics) , geomorphology , sedimentary basin analysis , geometry , mathematics
It is well known that a counterclockwise rotation occurred in the M iocene in northeast J apan. However, the detailed timing and mechanism of the rotation has been debated. Moreover, there has been no research about the relationship between rotational tectonics and the evolution of sedimentary basins. We carried out paleomagnetic and rock magnetic analyses in N ishiwaga Town, I wate Prefecture, northeast J apan, where the stratigraphy and sedimentary basin formation have previously been clarified. We found that there was a counterclockwise rotational movement of about 45° at about 15 Ma. From our results and previous studies on the tectonics and sedimentary basin development, we are able to ascertain the following tectonic history and sedimentary basin evolution in this area: (i) before the rotational movement, sandstone and mudstone were deposited in a tranquil environment with no volcanic activity coupled with slow tectonic subsidence; (ii) between 16.4–15.1 Ma and 14 Ma, a counterclockwise rotation occurred with rapid tectonic subsidence and continuous explosive volcanism; (iii) at about 14 Ma, the counterclockwise rotation ended and there was a reduction in both subsidence and volcanism. This result shows the impact that rotational tectonics can have on sedimentary basin formation.