The Tectonic Evolution of Southeast Asia—A Regional Application of the Surge-Tectonics Hypothesis

Abstract

In this chapter, we give a surge-tectonic interpretation of the geological evolution of southeastern Asia. This part of the book should be treated as interpretative and not as an attempt at a definitive statement on the tectonic history of southeastern Asia (Fig. 5.1). We also present a series of paleotectonic surge-channel maps to illustrate our interpretation. These maps (Figs. 5.2, 5.3, 5.6, 5.8–5.12 and 5.17–5.18) portray the major stable areas (massifs and platforms) and paleogeothermal phenomena (surge channels) of southeastern Asia from the beginning of Sinian time (850 Ma) through the present. Insofar as possible, we identified both former and still active surge channels on the basis of the criteria for the identification of surge channels that were listed in Chapter 3. The literature sources used for these maps are listed in the bibliography: an asterisk appears before each source used.