Geologic province

This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (October 2009)

Geologic provinces of the world (USGS)

Shield      Platform      Orogen      Basin      Large igneous province      Extended crust

Oceanic crust:      0–20 Ma      20–65 Ma      >65 Ma

A geologic or geomorphic province is a spatial entity with common geologic or geomorphic attributes. A province may include a single dominant structural element such as a basin or a fold belt, or a number of contiguous related elements. Adjoining provinces may be similar in structure but be considered separate due to differing histories.

Geologic provinces by origin

Geologic provinces based on origin:

• Shield
• Platform (shield covered with sediment)
• Orogen
  • Island arc
  • Continental arc
  • Forearc
• Basin
  • Cratonic basin
  • Foredeep basin
• Large igneous province
• Extended crust
  • Rifted margin
  • Rift
    • Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province

Geologic provinces by resources

US coal regions and provinces.

Some studies classify provinces based upon mineral resources, such as mineral deposits. There are a particularly large number of provinces identified worldwide for petroleum and other mineral fuels, such as the Niger Delta petroleum province.

This geology article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v • d • e