GEOLOGIC PROVINCE

World geologic provinces by origin. (USGS)

'Oceanic crust'
'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, as used in specific contexts. For example, a province can also be classified according to its geological age:

★ Archons: consist of rocks from the Archaean era, older than 2.5 billion years (2.5 Ga).

★ Protons: consist of rocks from the early to middle Proterozoic era, older than 1.6 Ga.

★ Tectons: consist of rocks from the late Proterozoic era, with ages between 1.6 Ga and 800 million years (800 Ma).

Geologic provinces by origin

Geologic provinces by resources