Geochemical evidence for consecutive accretion of oceanic fragments: The example of the Samarka Terrane, Sikhote-Alin

Abstract

The data of geochemical study of Late Triassic cherts from tectonic–sedimentary complexes from different structural levels of the Samarka Terrane are reported. It is shown that the concentration and character of distribution of the major petrogenic oxides and minor and rare-earth elements in cherts of the upper and lower structural levels differ significantly, which results from differences in the facies environments of chert deposition. All the geochemical characteristics of cherts show that their deposition proceeded in the pelagic area of sedimentation, but in different parts. The Katen Complex composing the lower structural level is the most distant from the continental margin. The closest is the Amba-Matay Complex composing the upper structural level. Based on the geochemical and biostratigraphic data and the age of accretion of paleooceanic fragments, the length of the subducted oceanic plate (>6000 km) is calculated.