Abstract: The tectonic inversion of Yinchuan Basin was studied from inversion evidence, inversion period, and inversion intensity. In addition, the evolution and superposition of Yinchan Basin were discussed. The results show that the tectonic inversion of Yinchuan Basin was confirmed by development of negative inversion structures, the difference in distribution characteristics of the Cenozoic and Mesozoic-Palaeozoic formation, existing of extension and extrusion structural style. The extrusion and uplifting period of tectonic inversion is Late Jurassic, and the extension and subsidence period is from Oligocene to Neogene. The inversion intensity is stronger in the northern and western regions of the basin than in the southern and eastern regions. Yinchuan Basin has experienced six stages of evolution and superposition since Mesozoic, including integral subsidence from Triassic to Early-Mid Jurassic, extrusion uplifting and uneven denudation in Late Jurassic, again subsidence in early Cretaceous, integral uplifting denudation from Late Cretaceous to Early Cenozoic, rapid faulting related depression from Oligocene to Neogene, and integral depression in Quaternary.

Key words: Yinchuan Basin, basin evolution, negative inversion structure, structural style, inversion intensity