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A geologic province or geological province is a spatial entity with common geologic attributes. [1] 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.
| Province | Definition | Subcategories | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shield | Exposed Precambrian crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks that form tectonically stable areas | ||
| Platform | Horizontal or gently-lying sedimentary strata covering a basement of igneous or metamorphic rocks | ||
| Orogen | Linear or arc-shaped formation where continental crust has been folded, deformed and uplifted to form mountain ranges | ||
| Basin | Low-lying formation of rock strata formed by tectonic warping of previously horizontal strata | ||
| Large igneous province | Accumulation of igneous rocks, including liquid rock (intrusive) or volcanic rock formations (extrusive) | ||
| Extended crust | Continental crust thinned due to extensional strain |
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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