MAIN FEATURES OF THE STRUCTURE AND GEODYNAMICS OF LAOS

The main elements of the structural-stratigraphic complexes of Laos an d the geodynamic conditions of their development are briefly described . New structural features of the area are described, based on an inter pretation of satellite and aerial photographs. Among these are sheet s tructures at the boundary of the Indochina massif and the Laotian-Viet namese system (which is overthrust tectonically by the Burmese-Malaysi an system); numerous linear faults (thrusts, overthrusts, and strike-s lips); deep transverse faults; and ring structures of volcanic, pluton ic, diapiric, and other origins. The main geodynamic stages in the dev elopment of the region are pre-collision stage (PZ3-T1-2), with the de velopment of suboceanic, island-arc, and continental-margin structures ; the collison stage (T3-J) with the collision of the microcontinents and the development of the Southeast Asian continental crust; and the intracontinental stage, with orogenesis (K-P) and rifting (N-Q).