Geologic provinces of the world (USGS)

Shield      Platform      Orogen      Basin      Large igneous province      Extended crust

Oceanic crust:      0–20 Ma      20–65 Ma      >65 Ma

A geologic or geomorphic province is a spatial entity with common geologic/geomorphic attributes. A province may include a single dominant structural element such as a basin or a fold belt, or a number of contiguous related elements. Adjoining provinces may be similar in structure but be considered separate due to differing histories.

There are several meanings of geologic provinces, as used in specific contexts. For example, a province can also be classified according to its geological age:

• Archons: consist of rocks from the Archaean era, older than 2.5 billion years (2.5 Ga).
• Protons: consist of rocks from the early to middle Proterozoic era, older than 1.6 Ga.
• Tectons: consist of rocks from the late Proterozoic era, with ages between 1.6 Ga and 800 million years (800 Ma).

Geologic provinces by origin

Geologic provinces based on origin:

• Shield
• Platform (shield covered with sediment)
• Orogen
  • Island arc
  • Continental arc
  • Forearc
• Basin
  • Cratonic basin
  • Foredeep basin
• Large igneous province
• Extended crust
  • Rifted margin
  • Rift

Geologic provinces by resources

US coal regions and provinces.

Some studies classify provinces based upon mineral resources, such as mineral deposits. There are a particularly large number of provinces identified worldwide for petroleum and other mineral fuels, such as the Niger Delta petroleum province.

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