Geologic province

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A geologic or geomorphic province is a spatial entity with common geologic or geomorphic attributes.^[1] 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
  • Passive 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.

See also

• Physiographic province
• Geomorphology
• United States Geological Survey

References

• "Geologic Provinces of the United States: Records of an Active Earth". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 6 June 2014. 

External links

• Geologic Province Map of the World (NASA)