Reishi Takashima

By Reishi Takashima, Hiroshi Nishi and Takeyoshi Yoshida

Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous volcano‐sedimentary sequences in the Sorachi, Kumaneshiri, and Yezo groups are exposed in central Hokkaido. The sequences are considered to reflect the Late Mesozoic tectonic history of the northwest Pacific continental margin. Based on the stratigraphic and petrological characteristics of igneous and volcaniclastic rocks of the Sorachi, Yezo, and Kabato groups, Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous tectonics in central Hokkaido can be divided into six stages. Stage I (Tithonian) is characterized by extensive eruption of tholeiitic basalt accompanied with andesitic volcaniclastic rocks and terrigenous deposits. Seafloor spreading or large igneous province formation occurred near an island arc and/or continent during this stage. In Stage II, island arc volcanic islands were constructed on the basaltic rocks formed during Stage I. Stage III (latest Berriasian‐Valanginian) is characterized by the formation of pull‐apart basins accompanied by seafloor spreading. Widespread upwelling of the asthenosphere below central Hokkaido may have occurred during this stage. After the cessation of in situ volcanism in Stage IV (Hauterivian), submarine island arc volcanism reoccurred in Stage V (Barremian). In Stage VI (Aptian–Campanian), typical active continental margin volcanism occurred and voluminous granitic batholiths were formed in western Hokkaido.

Part of the book: Dynamics of Arc Migration and Amalgamation