A Discussion on Several Important Concepts Regarding to the Tectonics of Orogenic Belts

Several important concepts regarding to the tectonics of orogenic belts have been discussed in this paper. These include the definition of the orogen, the classification of orogenic belts, orogenic process, tectonic framework of orogens and the orogeny model as well. Writers consider it would be better that the plate tectonic settings and the interaction between lithospheric plates were not put into the definition of the orogen. The area where two lithospheric plates converge is not the only place where orogenic belts develop. Orogenic belt could develop within geological intraplate settings far from active plate boundaries. This kind of orogenic belt is named the intraplate orogenic belt. The plate tectonic settings of an orogenic belt when it was undergoing orogeny is the major factor to define whether an orogenic belt is an intraplate orogen or not. In the research on the classification of orogenic belts, the tectonic framework of orogenic belts and the identification of the orogeny model and so on, the intraplate orogen should be paid much more attention to.