RIDGE SUBDUCTION IN THE HISTORY OF THE CENTRAL ASIAN OROGENIC BELT: EVIDENCE AND TECTONIC IMPLICATIONS FOR THE EVOLUTION OF AN ACCRETIONARY OROGEN

Cenozoic ridge subduction and the resultant slab windows have been well documented worldwide [Sisson et al., 2003], especially along the western margins of North and South America [Thorkelson, Taylor, 1989]. The principal characteristics of ridge subduction, which can be used to recognise the process in ancient orogens, include: intrusion of ridge-generated magmas into a forearc in a near-trench position [Marshak, Karig, 1977]; this can be regarded as the hallmark of ridge subduction.