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19 July 2021 | dataset

Tectonics of the New Guinea Region

The New Guinea region evolved within the obliquely and rapidly converging Australian and Pacific plate boundary zone. It is arguably one of the most tectonically complex regions of the world, and its geodynamic evolution involved microplate formation and rotation, lithospheric rupture to form ocean basins, arc-continent collision, subduction polarity reversal, collisional orogenesis, ophiolite obduction, and exhumation of (ultra)high-pressure metamorphic rocks. We describe the major onshore and offshore tectonic and geologic components, including plate boundaries, seismicity, faults, and magmatism, and we integrate these with emerging ideas about mantle dynamics to evaluate the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of New Guinea. Future research opportunities to resolve the mantle structure beneath New Guinea will enable mantle dynamics to be linked to lithospheric and surface processes. Virtually all plate tectonic and mantle processes have been active in the New Guinea region throughout the Cenozoic, and, as such, its tectonic evolution has global significance.

Data and Resource

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Tectonics of the New Guinea Region

The New Guinea region evolved within theā€¦

Field Value
Publisher PNG Mineral Resources Authority
Modified 09 April 2022
Release Date 19 July 2021
Source URL https://png-data.sprep.org/dataset/tectonics-new-guinea-region
Identifier 85e28189-b7f8-4e69-a47e-30f4d5302c91
Spatial / Geographical Coverage Location Papua New Guinea
Relevant Countries Papua New Guinea
License Public
[Open Data]
Contact Name biatus.bito
POD Theme Land