Deformation and structural evolution of metamorphic complexes of the Taldyk antiform in the East Mugodzhar zone of Urals (West Kazakhstan)

The study is focused on mesostructural folded parageneses of the Taldyk antiform (a.k.a. Taldyk block) located in the East Mugodzhar zone. The sequence of their formation is established; the structural evolution of the study area is investigated, and four stages of deformation are identified. The NW-trending folds F1 with SE-vergence formed during the first stage of deformation, DI. The geodynamics and timeline of this stage remain unclear. The W-E-trending folds F2 with E-vergence are related to tectonic movements that took place at stage DII. In the western limb of the antiform, stage DII is evidenced by folds overturned towards the south-east. In the eastern limb, folds plunge to the east and northeast. These fold structures are probably related to the Devonian subduction-obduction processes. At stage DIII, thrusting of the Taldyk antiform over the West Mugodzhar zone and folding F3 with W-vergence is related to the Ural continental collision in the Late Paleozoic, which completed the geodynamic evolution of the Ural paleo-ocean. At stage DIV, postcollisional shearing is evidenced by folds F4 with steeply dipping hinges, which completed the structural evolution of the study area.