Geologic province
A geologic province is a spatial entity with common geologic 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 used in specific contexts.
Origin
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World_geologic_provinces.jpg
World_geologic_provinces.jpg
World geologic provinces by origin. (USGS)
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
Resources
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Us_coal_regions_1996.png
Us_coal_regions_1996.png
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.