Comparative Analysis of Tectonic Evolution in Coastal and Inland Basins

Thesis Abstract

The evolution of tectonic structures in coastal and inland basins significantly influences regional geological stability, resource distribution, and landscape development, yet comparative understanding of these processes remains limited due to the complex interplay of geological, tectonic, and geomorphological factors across diverse settings. This study aims to systematically compare the tectonic evolution of coastal and inland basins within a defined geological region to elucidate the distinctive and overlapping mechanisms that have shaped their development over geological timescales. Specifically, the research seeks to identify the key tectonic processes, deformational patterns, and structural variations that distinguish these basin types, with the ultimate goal of advancing comprehension of regional tectonic behaviors and their implications for resource exploration, hazard assessment, and geological modeling. The research adopts a comparative cross-sectional design, integrating quantitative and qualitative data collected from a representative sample of 150 rock and sediment samples across both basin types. The population comprises regional stratigraphic units, fault systems, and deformation features within the study area, which spans approximately 150,000 square kilometers characterized by diverse tectonic histories. Stratigraphic, structural, and geochronological data are obtained through field mapping, remote sensing, petrographic analysis, and radiometric dating methods. Sample sites are selected using stratified random sampling to ensure coverage of major basin subsystems, fault zones, and depositional environments. Data validation and reliability are maintained through calibration of instruments, cross-verification with existing geological maps, and peer review of field observations. Geophysical survey data—including seismic reflection profiles and gravity anomaly measurements—complement the geological datasets for a comprehensive tectonic assessment. The analysis employs advanced statistical techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) to identify dominant tectonic variables, regression analysis to evaluate relations between structural features and basin orientation, and spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to interpret deformation patterns. Theoretical frameworks guiding the study are grounded in the Plate Tectonics theory and Elastic Rebound theory, which provide insights into fault dynamics and regional kinematics. Additionally, the Structural Geology model informs the interpretation of fault scarp development and fold evolution. The data are further analyzed through comparative temporal analysis to reconstruct basin-specific tectonic histories, while multivariate statistical models assess the significance of tectonic processes across basin types. Expected findings include clear distinctions in fault orientation, structural deformation intensity, and sedimentation patterns between coastal and inland basins, reflecting their diverse tectonic regimes—whether extensional, compressional, or transform. It is anticipated that coastal basins will exhibit more evidence of active faulting and recent structural reactivation linked to plate boundary dynamics, whereas inland basins will display older, relict fault systems with less ongoing deformation. The study expects to reveal correlations between tectonic setting, basin morphology, and resource distribution, contributing novel insights into basin evolution models. This research will significantly contribute to the field of regional geology by providing a detailed comparative framework that underscores the divergent and convergent tectonic processes influencing basin development. It offers practical implications for resource exploration, hazard mitigation, and geological risk assessment in tectonically active regions. Nonetheless, some limitations arise from incomplete exposure of subsurface structures, potential sampling biases, and the resolution limits of geophysical data, which are addressed through rigorous methodological triangulation and sensitivity analysis. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of context-specific tectonic models in understanding basin evolution, proposes priority areas for further geodynamic investigations, and advocates for integrating geological monitoring with tectonic modeling to enhance hazard preparedness and resource management strategies. Future research directions include detailed temporal modeling of tectonic events and the application of 3D structural reconstructions to deepen insights into the dynamic evolution of coastal and inland basins globally.