Technological approach of structural investigation of complex orogenic belts on multi-scales: Insights and experiences from Kumish region, South Tianshan, NW China

Structural studies of complex orogenic belts demand prompt technical solutions to distinguish and analyze different kinds of structural evidences with higher precision and efficiency. This study introduces structural interpretation techniques using high resolution images captured by satellites and ultra-high resolution images captured by UAV cameras, and data amalgamation on GIS platforms. Combination of these new techniques and conventional investigation works on field outcrops come up with an overall investigation system which combines different observation methods and interlinks different spatial scales. The effectiveness of this observation system is tested and confirmed in Kumish region, South Tianshan. Structural investigation on large to small scales in Kumish region obtained more elaborate spatial emplacements of ophiolite fragments and metamorphic rocks. The boundary shape and inner brittle fractures of the granitic pluton suggest that the granitic magma intrusion was later than regional collision and ductile deformations. Different sized granitic and mafic veins reveal multi-phases of magma intrusions and deformations overprinted on ophiolite. Technical application and region study not only obtain more special evidences regard as orogenic evolution processes of Tianshan Orogenic Belt, but also provide new technical solutions which can be spread to other complex orogenic belts.