The geological structure of Uzbekistan is very diverse, but basically, its territory consists of two tectonic structures — the Tien Shan orogenic region and the Turan plate. The Tien Shan orogenic region includes large and small tectonic structures. The largest of them are folded structures (Chatkal, Kuramin, Turkestan, Zarafshan ridges).

The tectonic structures of the Tien Shan orogenic region and the Turan Plate arose at the stage of Hercynian and Alpine mountain formation. During the Hercynian mountain formation and tectonic movements, volcanic processes also occurred. Under their influence, ore, non-ferrous, rare minerals were formed in the faults of rocks. The current state of the relief of the territory of Uzbekistan was preceded by long difficult stages. During the period of the Hercynian folded movements, high mountain ranges were formed on the territory of the republic. In subsequent geological periods, as a result of denudation processes, the mountains were subjected to severe destruction, and plains and hills appeared in their place. In the Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Paleogene periods, this area was covered by the waters of seas and lakes. In the Paleogene period, the territory of Uzbekistan was covered by the last sea, the depth of which did not exceed 200 m. Only in the mountainous part of Uzbekistan did small islands protruded from under the water.

During the Neogene period on the territory of the republic, especially in its mountainous part, as a result of the resumption of tectonic movements, the sea retreated, and existing mountains began to rise in its place. The consequences of further tectonic movements were very different. If on the territory of Uzbekistan some areas in the mountainous part rose, then others sagged. Mountain ridges began to grow and new ones formed in the places of uplifts, and intermountain depressions were formed in the places of deflections.

Rocks formed as a result of the destruction of the rising areas began to accumulate in the sagging areas. This process continued throughout the Neogene period. As a result, massive thicknesses (more than a thousand meters) of sedimentary rocks accumulated in intermountain depressions. With the beginning of the anthropogenic period, the nature of tectonic movements changes somewhat. There is a rise not only of ridges but also of intermountain depressions. As a result, rivers began to wash out sediments formed in the Neogene epoch and river terraces appeared. The process of uplifting intermountain depressions intensified as they approached the mountains. Therefore, in this part of the depressions, low mountains — days were formed.

Tectonic movements are actively continuing on the territory of Uzbekistan almost everywhere. Therefore, strong (up to 8-9 points) earthquakes occur here. Historical data indicate earthquakes of past centuries. For example, in 1240 in Urgench, in 1797 in Urgut, in 1818, in 1821 in Bukhara, and in 1868 in Samarkand, strong earthquakes were observed.

Minerals

Uzbekistan is rich in various minerals. A large number of various minerals have been found on the territory of our republic, serving as raw materials for industry. Currently, they are successfully used in the national economy. Great merit belongs to the well-known scientists of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, academicians H. M. Abdullayev, I. H. Khamrabayev, and others in the exploration work to identify mineral deposits.

Among the most important natural resources of the republic are its fuel and energy resources, which include gas, oil, and coal. Oil and gas deposits were first discovered in 1880 in the Fergana Valley in the area of Northern Sokha, Southern Alamyshik, Palvantash, Chimion, and Shorsu. Oil was discovered in Mingbulak in 1992, and in Kokdumalak in 1993. Large oil and gas reserves have been found in the southwestern spurs of the Hissar Ridge – the Adamtash, Pachkamar, Omonat, Khaudag, and Uchkyzil deposits.

Later, oil reserves were found in the plains of Kashkadarya and Bukhara regions — in the fields of Mubarek, Akjar, Saryktash, Jarkak, Karaulbazar. Large deposits of natural gas were found in Ustyurt (Shakhpakhta and Kuanysh). There are significant deposits of brown coal of industrial importance in the territory of Uzbekistan. The main deposits are concentrated in the Angren deposit, where brown coal is mined.

There are two coal deposits in the mountainous part of the Surkhandarya region — Shargun and Baisun. There are several deposits of ore (iron, titanium, manganese, chromium), non-ferrous (copper, lead), rare (tungsten, molybdenum, tin, bismuth, mercury, antimony), precious (gold, silver) metals on the territory of Uzbekistan. The main deposits among them are Kalmakkyr, Sarychek, and Dalneye (Tashkent region). Large gold deposits have been discovered in Kyzylkum — Muruntau, Kokpatas, and others. Uzbekistan is also rich in phosphorites. Their large reserves are discovered in Central Kyzylkum. In the southwestern spurs of the Hissar ridge, there are deposits of table salt, potassium salts, and sulfur (Akbash, Lyalmikan, Khadjaikan).

Uzbekistan is also rich in building materials (sand, crushed stone, pebbles, loess, quartz sand, limestone, marble), and hydromineral raw materials — groundwater. Many deposits of marble have been discovered on the territory of the republic. Most of them are of high quality and have a variety of colors. Marble mined in Uzbekistan has been used, for example, in the construction and decoration of majestic buildings, such as the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theater, the Istiqlol Palace, subway stations in Tashkent, in the construction of monuments and memorial complexes.