Wang, Wei-RZ and Xiang, Dunfeng and Gong, Tingnan and Geng, Ming and Li, Xiao and Cui, Xiangbin and Zhang, Shaoteng and Liu, Xinshu and Ren, Liudong and Liu, Xiaochun and Zhao, Yue (2026) Geological evolution of the Prydz Bay-Prince Charles Mountains region, East Antarctica: advances and prospects. Advances in Polar Science, 37 (1). pp. 1-12.
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Abstract
The Prydz Bay-Prince Charles Mountains region in East Antarctica constitutes an exceptional geological transect for investigating continental evolution from the Archean to the Phanerozoic and its relationship with supercontinent cycles. This region preserves a complex record of magmatism, metamorphism, and tectonic reworking. Studies by the Chinese National Antarctic Research Expeditions in this region have yielded critical insights into the geological evolution of Antarctica. Key advances over the past decades encompass the elucidation of the Pan-African and Grenvillian tectono-metamorphic history, the delineation of the continent’s crustal and lithospheric architecture, and the identification of extensive ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism and rare mineral assemblages. Despite these advances, many fundamental questions remain unresolved. The spatial and temporal extents of ancient orogenesis are poorly constrained across different crustal blocks, and the tectonic drivers of extreme metamorphism continue to be debated. The role of deep lithospheric architecture in controlling both past orogenic processes and present-day glacial isostatic adjustment remains underexplored. Furthermore, the origins of ancient cratonic nuclei and their constraints on early Earth geodynamics warrant further investigation. Future research should prioritize integrated, multi-disciplinary approaches that combine geological and geophysical analyses. Key objectives include delineating the architecture and evolution of subglacial basement, reconstructing the Phanerozoic uplift and erosion history of the orogens, and evaluating feedback mechanisms among lithospheric evolution, ice-sheet dynamics, and long-term climate. Holistic cross-disciplinary investigations will be essential to unravel the connections between deep Earth processes and surface systems in one of the planet’s most enigmatic and geologically significant regions.
| Item Type: | Article |
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| Keywords: | Antarctica, geology, orogen, subglacial basement, lithospheric architecture |
| Subjects: | Natural Environment > Cryosphere Natural Environment > Terrestrial |
| Organizations: | Advances in Polar Science (APS) |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Apr 2026 09:21 |
| URI: | https://library.arcticportal.org/id/eprint/2956 |
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