• 责任者：Qi Wen (Institute of Mineral Resources ; Chinese Academy of Geological Science ; Beijing 100037 ; China)
• 刊名：Acta Geologica Sinica
• 出版年：2010
• 卷期：84(11)
• 关键词：钾盐矿床 ; potash deposit ; 地质作用 ; geologic process ; 北美洲 ; North America
• 页码：p.1576-1584
• 图表：4 illus., 1 table, 48 refs.
• 分类号：1002
• issnNo：ISSN0001-5717
• isbnNo：CN11-1951/P

In this paper, the authors briefly summarize the major tectonic elements and geological evolution of North America, then reviewed the cratonic platform sequences in detail. By relating the potash deposits with the geological settings, the authors know that potash best developed in under-compensated intracratonic platform basins, and could also developed in graben or rifted marginal cratonic basins. Potash occurred in the last marine platform sequences (Kaskaskia), and the Absaroka sequences represented transition from marine facies to terrestrial facies. As to foreland basins, no potash found there yet. The extensive deposition of potash salts in North America in Paleozoic Era was associated closely with the position of paleoequator. Potash deposition was controlled by the combination of tectonic, depositional and climatic conditions, so the prospect of potash should follow these clues.