Abstract: Numerous ribbon-like micro-plates develop in the southwestern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), they are important constituents of the Kazakhstan microcontinent, understanding of their tectonic attributes, continental affinities and crustal evolution is essential for the reconstruction of the accretionary history and geodynamic processes of the CAOB. The controversies remain for a long time about the basement compositions, tectonic settings and affinities of the micro-plates. This paper compiles recently published geological and isotopic chronological data, and summarizes rock assemblages, ages and tectonic settings of the Precambrian basement, and further analyzes the tectonic attributes of the micro-plates and their possible affinities with the surrounding continental plates. The available data indicate that the Meso- and Paleoproterozoic crystalline basement only develop in a few micro-plates (such as Chinese Central Tianshan, Kyrgyz Middle Tianshan, Issyk-Kul, Zheltau and Kokchetav), but are not recorded in the other micro-plates (such as South Yili, North Yili-Aktau, Chu-Ili, Karatau, Baikonur, Erementau and Ulutau) in the SW CAOB. However, similar Neoproterozoic metamorphic and magmatic rocks were documented in all these micro- plates and form the comparable metamorphic and crystalline basement. A comprehensive comparison and analysis allow us to conclude that these micro-plates may have different origins, but they experienced similar tectonic and magmatic evolution since Neoproterozoic, and underwent comparable paleogeographic environment, suggesting Early Neoproterozoic convergent orogenesis, Late Neoproterozoic continental rifting and formation of passive continental margins during the opening of the Paleo-Asian Ocean.

Key words: Central Asian Orogenic Belt, Kazakhstan Microcontinent, Tianshan Orogen, Precambrian basement, continental crustal evolution, tectonic attribute