Preface

The tectonic evolution of the Arctic realm, particularly in the Mesozoic, remains a subject of considerable uncertainty. The nature of the crustal entities involved, their origins, and the nature, location, and age of major tectonic boundaries are incompletely studied and understood (Pease, 2011). The largest piece of continental crust of uncertain origin that plays a role in Arctic tectonics is the Arctic Alaska–Chukotka terrane or microplate. The terrane includes northern Alaska, northeasternmost Russia, and the adjacent continental shelves (Fig. 1; Natal'in et al., 1999; Miller et al., 2006). Because of its size, the origin of this microplate and its movements during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic are critical components of tectonic and paleogeographic models (Pease, 2011).