The BaikalVitim Fold System: Structure
and Geodynamic Evolution

S. V. Ruzhentsev^a, O. R. Minina^b, G. E. Nekrasov^a, V. A. Aristov^a,
B. G. Golionko^a, N. A. Doronina^b, and D. A. Lykhin^c

^a Geological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pyzhevskii per. 7, Moscow, 119017 Russia

^b Geological Institute, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Sakh’yanovoi 6a, Ulan-Ude, 670047 Russia

^c Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrography, Mineralogy, and Geochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences,
Staromonetnyi per. 32, Moscow, 119017 Russia

e-mail: nekrasov@ginras.ru

Received June 6, 2011

Abstract—New data on the stratigraphy, structure, isotopic age, geochemistry, and geodynamic characteristics
of the lithotectonic complexes of the Baikal–Vitim Fold System are reported. In particular, it is shown that Mid-
dle and Upper Paleozoic rocks are widespread along with Precambrian and Lower Paleozoic sequences. The
Baikal–Vitim Fold System is characterized by cyclic evolution and comprises four structural stages: Baikalian
(Riphean–Vendian), Caledonian (Cambrian–Early Silurian), Variscan (Late Silurian–Early Carboniferous), and
Hercynian (Middle Carboniferous–Permian). A specific set of lithotectonic complexes formed in certain geo-
dynamic settings corresponds to each stage. According to the proposed model, the Variscan and Hercynian com-
plexes developed under conditions of progressively changing geodynamic settings of passive (Late Silurian–
Middle Devonian), Andean-type active (Middle Devonian–Early Carboniferous), and Californian-type (Middle
Carboniferous–Permian) continental margins. The Middle and Late Paleozoic evolution of the Baikal–Vitim
Fold System is correlated with that of the Mongolia–Okhotsk Belt (Aga paleooceanic basin).

DOI: 10.1134/S0016852112020033

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