An improved apparent polar wander path for southwest Japan: post-Cretaceous multiphase rotations with respect to the Asian continent

Abstract To construct the Mesozoic apparent polar wander path (APWP) for inner arc of southwestern Japanese islands (referred to as southwest Japan) and compare it that East Asia, a 110 Ma paleomagnetic pole Japan was determined. Mudstone sandstone samples were collected from 16 sites analysis in Lower Cretaceous Inakura Formation area central part Japan. A high-temperature magnetization component, with unblocking temperatures 670–695 °C, isolated 12 red mudstone. Of these, 11 revealed primary remanent during Early Cretaceous. The directions combined previously reported ones provide new mean direction ( D = 79.7°, I 47.4°, α 95 6.5°, N 17), corresponding is representative (24.6° N, 203.1° E, 6.8°). pole, together Late Cenozoic poles, constitute APWP illustrates standstill position 110–70 Ma, suggesting tectonic quiescence this region. This followed by two large tracks Cenozoic. We interpret these clockwise rotations occurred twice earlier rotation unit positioned below northeast China, Liaodong Korean Peninsulas, (East Tan-Lu Block) Paleogene. later took place only under Neogene. multiphase rifting activity eastern margin Asian continent responsible are observed studies. Intermittent may series phenomena due asthenospheric convection, induced growth Eurasian mega-continent Mesozoic.