Tectonic zoning of Wrangel Island, Arctic region

Wrangel Island exhibits distinct tectonic zoning characterized by three zones—Northern, Central, and Southern—each with unique stratigraphic, lithologic, and structural features. A key discovery is the identification of Upper Silurian–Lower Devonian sedimentary rocks in the Northern Zone, previously unknown elsewhere on the island, deformed during the Ellesmere phase of near-latitudinal shortening. The Central Zone's basement comprises Neoproterozoic volcanic rocks, dated to Early Cambrian, contrasting with earlier Carboniferous assumptions, overlain by slightly deformed Carboniferous–Permian rocks. The Southern Zone features a Neoproterozoic metamorphic basement and Devonian–Triassic sedimentary cover, with north-vergent fold-thrust structures formed during the Late Kimmerian deformation phase in the Early Cretaceous. This tectonic zoning provides insights into the island's geological evolution, particularly its complex deformation history.

Sokolov, S. D., Tuchkova, M. I., Moiseev, A. V., Verzhbitskii, V. E., Malyshev, N. A., & Gushchina, M. Yu. (2017). Tectonic zoning of Wrangel Island, Arctic region. Geotectonics, 51(1), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1134/s0016852117010083