Abstract: Liupanshan arc thrust system in Ordos basin is located at the joint between Qinqi geosynclinal system and North China platform, featuring special tectonic location and complex geology. The comprehensive analyses from strata distribution, gravity, geomagnetism, seismic and CEMP data show that the thrust structural belt in western margin of Ordos basin is composed of Liupanshan arc thrust system and Zhuozishan-Helanshan thrust system, which are two independent nappe tectonic systems. Liupanshan arc thrust system is a nappe formed by Qilian terrain splicing to North China epicontinental terrain located in western Ordos block, with distinct dual-terrain superposed textures. It is suggested that west boundary of North China platform should be changed toward Zhongwei-Haiyuan-Baoji direction, and assumed that in deep Liupanshan basin may develop the basement of North China and the cap rocks of Paleozoic, which supports ideas for petroleum exploration beyond Ordos basin and finding out other natural gas-enriched strata of Paleozoic similar to Ordos basin.

Key words: Liupanshan mountain, nappe, tectonic system, Ordos basin