Tectonostratigraphy of the Jurassic accretionary prisms in the Sikhote-Alin region of Russian Far East

We propose a scheme to subdivide the Samarka terrane, a Jurassic accretionary prism fragment, into tectonostratigraphic complexes. This subdivision provides a basis to study these formations and map them on a medium- to large-scale. Each complex corresponds to a certain stage in the accretionary prism formation. Thus, the complexes composed of subduction melange and olistostromes (in our case, Ust-Zhuravlevka and Sebuchar complexes), can be correlated to episodes when the underthrusting of seamounts hampered subduction, as evidenced by seamount fragments contained in the complexes. Episodes of relatively quiet subduction have also been identified, resulting in complexes composed mainly of normally bedded terrigenous and biogenic formations (Tudovaka and Udeka and, partially, Ariadnoe complexes). Particularly considered is the Okrainka-Sergeevka allochthonous complex - a fragment of continental plate overhanging a subduction zone. It was included in the accretionary prism during gravitational sliding on the internal slope of the paleotrench. All volcanic rocks in the accretionary prism are allochthonous fragments of the accreted oceanic crust. The absence of the Jurassic-Berriasian volcanic belt related to this prism, as well as synchronous autochthonous volcanism, indicates that the Samarka terrane accretionary prism formed under conditions of flat-slab subduction, similar to modern examples along the Andean margin.

Automated summary

The proposal suggests subdividing the Samarka terrane into tectonostratigraphic complexes for better study and mapping purposes. Each complex corresponds to a specific stage in the formation of the accretionary prism, providing insights into the geological processes involved.