The systematic study on the Nanhua-Sinian tectono-sedimentary framework in Tarim Basin is the key to understanding its tectonic attributes

formation and evolution of continental rifts

and sedimentary filling processes.Based on the comprehensive analysis of outcrops in the periphery of Tarim Basin

drilling and seismic data

and previous studies relevant

we discussed the Nanhua-Sinian tectono-sedimentary framework of Tarim Basin.Research shows that there were two individual massifs of the north and south of Tarim in the Pre-Nanhua.The convergence of the north and south massifs led to the final formation of the unified Tarim plate during the Late Pre-Nanhua.During the Nanhua to Sinian

the Tarim Basin was in an extensional tectonic setting as a result of breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent

and underwent the formation and evolution of continental rifts.The evolution of the basin may be divided into three stages:(1) the rifting stage during the Early Nanhua (760-700 Ma)

(2) the rifting to depression transitional stage during the Late Nanhua-Early Sinian (660-600 Ma)

and (3) the post-rift depression evolution stage during the Late Sinian (580-540 Ma).During the rifting stage

the Awati rift in the west

north and south Manjiar rifts in the east and the NW-and SE-trending rifts in Maigaiti area in the south of the Tarim Basin formed.The tectonic framework of the basin controlled the paleogeographic characteristics and sedimentary assemblages.In the Nanhua

rifting predominated

resulting in clastic-volcanic rock assemblage under intensive extension.In the Sinian

depression predominated in Tarim Basin which showed the paleogeographic characteristics of uplift in the south and depression in the north

resulting in three types of sedimentary assem-blages

i.e.clastic rock

mixed clastic-carbonate

and carbonate assemblages.