A geological transect from Kun Lun to Karakorum (Sinkiang, China): the western termination of the Tibetan Plateau. Preliminary note

ABSTRACT A geological‐geophysical expedition (Ev‐K2–CNR 1988) visited the area from West Kun Lun to Karakorum (K2–Gasherbrum). Seven tectonic units including sedimentary, magmatic and metamorphic rocks were distinguished in this area; the northernmost are suggested to belong to the Kun Lun and Qiangtang Microplates. The sedimentary sequence of Shaksgam is proved to extend from the Permian to the Jurassic, with Carboniferous and Cretaceous ages more doubtful. This sequence shows intermediate affinities between the Karakorum and the Qiangtang. The two southernmost units belong to the Karakorum Microplate. The Karakorum Fault Zone comprises a complex pattern of faults and thrusts, with brittle deformation and uplifting of granitoid bodies.