Geochemistry and geochronology of cretaceous volcanism of Chauna region, Central Chukotka
New geochronological and geochemical data on the age and composition of Cretaceous volcanism of Palyavaam River basin (Central Chukotka, Chauna region) are presented. First complex is composed of rhyolites, ignimbrites and felsic tuffs of Chauna Group of Okhotsk-Chukotka volcanic belt (OCVB). Second complex is represented by volcanic rocks of latite-shoshonite series of Early Cretaceous age, distinguished as Etchikun’ Formation. Its origin is still debatable. Some researchers refer deposits of Etchikun’ Formation to magmatic stage before OCVB activity. Other authors include in Chauna Group composition. Obtained data indicate heterogeneity of Etchikun’ Fomation volcanics and allow to divide them in two groups. Andesites of the first group (Etchikun’ Formation sensu stricto) have Early Cretaceous age and belong to magmatic stage before OCVB activity. Andesites of the second group correlate in age and composition with OCVB volcanic rocks. They occur at the base of Chauna Group and indicate homodromous character of volcanism evolution in the Central-Chukotka of Okhotsk-Chukotka volcanic belt.