Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Cratonization and the Ancient North China Continent: A summary and review

  • Review
  • Published:
Science China Earth Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Cratonization is a key geological process to form stable continental masses with a considerable scale. The Precambrian global cratonization and formation of supercratons in the world is an unrepeated event in the history of the Earth’s formation and evolution. Mainly based on study of early Precambrian geology in Eastern Hebei Region and combining other Archean regions in the North China Craton (NCC), the author proposes a two-stage cratonization model of the NCC. The first stage took place at the end of Neoarchean of ∼2.5 Ga (boundary time between Archean and Proterozoic), when several micro-blocks were amalgamated together with amphibolite-granulite facies metamorphism and intrusion of crustal-melting granites to form the present-scale NCC. The second cratonization event is cratonic reworking, corresponding to rifting-subduction-collision at 2.3–1.97 Ga and subsequent extension-uplifting related to upwelling mantle at 1.97–1.82 Ga, which could be linked to, respectively, assembly and breaking up of the Columbia Supercontinent. Three main Paleoproterozoic mobile belts in the NCC record that small remnant Neoarchean ocean basins and continental rift basins within the craton were opened and finally closed, and metamorphosed to greenschist-amphibolite facies at ∼2.0–1.97 Ga. After that, high-grade granulite facies (HT-HP and HT-UHT) metamorphism with abnormally high heat occurred at 1.97–1.82 Ga. A metamorphism-migmatization event that includes lower crust of the NCC uplifting as a whole, intrusion of mafic dyke swarms, continental rifting and anorogenic magmatic action took place in 1.82–1.65 Ga, marking that the second cratonization of the NCC was finally accomplished and started to evolve to a period of stable continent (platform).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Zhao Z P et al. Precambrian Crustal Evolution of the Sino-Korean Paraplatform (in Chinese). Beijing: Science Press, 1993. 389–390

    Google Scholar 

  2. Goodwin A. Precambrian Geology. London: Academic Press, 1991. 666

    Google Scholar 

  3. Windley B F. The Evolving Continents. Chichester: John Willy and Sons, 1978. 330–340

    Google Scholar 

  4. Rogers J J W, Santosh M. Supercontinents in Earth history. Gondwana Res, 2003, 6: 357–368

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Kusky T M, Windley B F, Zhai M G. Tectonic evolution of the North China Block: From orogen to craton to orogen. In: Zhai M G, Windley B F, Kusky T, et al, eds. Mesozoic Sub-continental Thinning Beneath Eastern North China. Geol Soc Spec Publ London, 2007, 280: 1–34

  6. Zhai M G. Lower crust and lithosphere beneath the North China Craton before the Mesozoic lithospheric disruption (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2008, 24: 2185–2204

    Google Scholar 

  7. Liu D Y, Nutman A P W, Compston W, et al. Remnants of ⩾3800 Ma crust in the Chinese part of the Sino-Korean Craton. Geology, 1992, 20: 339–342

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Liu D Y, Wan Y S, Wu J S, et al. Eoarchean rocks and zircons in the North China Craton. In: Developments in Precambrian Geology: ‘Earth’s Oldest Rocks’. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2007. 251–273

    Google Scholar 

  9. Wan Y S, Song B, Liu D Y, et al. Geochronology and geochemistry of 3.8–2.5 Ga Archean rock belt in Dongshan scenic park, Ahshan area (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Geol Sin, 2001, 75: 363–370

    Google Scholar 

  10. Wu F Y, Zhang Y B, Yang J H, et al. Zircon U-Pb and Hf isotopic constraints on the Early Archean crustal evolution in Anshan of the North China Craton. Precambrian Res, 2008, 167: 339–362

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Zhai M G. Neoarchean global cranonization and geological meaning of boundary between Archean and Proterozoic (in Chinese with English abstract). Geotect Metal, 2006, 30: 419–421

    Google Scholar 

  12. Wan Y S, Liu D Y, Dong, C Y, et al. Oldest rocks and zircons in China (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2009, 25: 1973–1807

    Google Scholar 

  13. Diwu C R, Sun Y, Dong Z C, et al. In situ U-Pb geochronology of Hadean zircon xenocryst (4.1–3.9 Ga) from the western of the Northern Qinling orogenic belt (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2010, 26: 1171–1174

    Google Scholar 

  14. Rogers J J W. A history of continents in the past three billion years. J Geol, 1996, 104: 91–107

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Condie K C, Des Marais D J, Abbot D. Precambrian superplumes and supercontinents: A record in black shales, carbon isotopes and paleoclimates. Precambrian Res, 2001, 106: 239–260

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Mclennan S M, Taylor S R. Geochemical constraints on the growth of the continental crust. J Geol, 1982, 90: 347–361

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Mclennan S M, Taylor S R. Continental freeboard sedimentation rates and growth of continental crust. Nature, 1983, 306: 169–172

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Brown G C. The changing pattern of batholith emplacement during earth history. In: Atherton M P, Tarney J, eds. Origin of Granite Batholiths. Natwich: Siva, 1979. 106–115

    Google Scholar 

  19. Dewey J F, Windley B F. Growth and differentiation of the continental crust. Phil Trans Soc Lond, 1981, A301: 189–206

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Zhai M G. Precambrian Geological Events in the North China Craton. In: Malpas J, Fletcher C J N, Ali J R, et al, eds. Tectonic Evolution of China. Geol Soc Spe Pub London, 2004, 226: 57–72

  21. Zhang Z Q. On main growth epoch of early Precambrian crust of the North China craton based on the Sm-Nd isotopic characteristics (in Chinese with English abstract). In: Cheng Y Q, ed. Corpus on Early Precambrian Research of the North China Craton. Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1998. 133–136

    Google Scholar 

  22. Jahn B M, Zhang Z Q. Radiometric ages (Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Pb) and REE geochemistry of Archaean granulite gneisses from eastern Hebei province, China. In: Kröner A, Hanson G N, Goodwin A M, eds. Archaean Geochemistry. Berlin/Heidelburg: Springer-Verlag, 1984. 183–204

    Google Scholar 

  23. Jahn B M. Early Precambrian basic rocks of China. In: Hall R P, Hughes D J, eds. Early Precambrian Basic Magmatism. Glasgow: Blackie, 1990, 294–316

    Google Scholar 

  24. Wu F Y, Yang J H, Liu X M, et al. Hf isotopic characteristics of 3.8 Ga zircon and time of early crust of North China Craton. Chin Sci Bull, 2005, 50: 1996–2003

    Google Scholar 

  25. Condie K C, Kröner A. When did plate tectonics begin? Evidence from the geologic record. Geol Soc Am Spec Pap, 2008, 440: 281–294

    Google Scholar 

  26. Windley B F. The evolving continents. 3rd ed. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 1995. 377–385, 459–462

    Google Scholar 

  27. Deng J F, Wu Z X, Zhao G C, et al. Precambrian granitic rocks, continental crustal evolution and craton formation of the North China Platform (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 1999, 15: 190–198

    Google Scholar 

  28. Wu J S, Gen Y S, Shen Q H, et al. Archaean Geology Characteristics and Tectonic Evolution of the China-Korea Paleo-continent (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1998. 192–211

    Google Scholar 

  29. Zhai M G, Guo J H, Liu W J. Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic continental evolution and tectonic history of the North China Craton. J Asian Earth Sci, 2005, 24: 547–561

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Bai J, Huang X G, Dai F Y, et al. The Precambrian Evolution of China (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1993. 199–203

    Google Scholar 

  31. Guan Z N, An Y L, Wu C J. Magnetic interface inversion and deducing of deep structure of North China area (in Chinese). In: Wang M J, Cheng J Y, eds. Corpus of Investment Geophysics and Geochemistry. Vol. 6. Regional Geophysical Research of China. Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1987. 80–101

    Google Scholar 

  32. Wan Y S, Liu D Y, Wang S J, et al. ∼2.7 Ga juvenile crust formation in the North China Craton (Taishan-Xintai area, western Shandong Province): Further evidence of an understated event from zircon U-Pb dating and Hf isotope composition. Precambrian Res, in press

  33. Zhang F Q, Liu J Z, Ouyang Z Y. Litho-tectonic study on basement greenstone rocks in the North China Craton. Chin J Geophys, 1998, 41(S): 99–107

    Google Scholar 

  34. Cheng Y Q, ed. Regional Geology of China (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1994

    Google Scholar 

  35. Shen Q H, Xu H F, Zhang Z Q, et al. Granulites of Early Precambrian in China (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1992. 389–400

    Google Scholar 

  36. Cheng Y Q, Zhang S G. Notes on the metamorphic series and metamorphic belts of various metamorphic epochs of China and related problems (in Chinese with English abstract). Reg Geol China, 1982. 2: 1–14

    Google Scholar 

  37. Liu D Y, Wilde S A, Wan Y S, et al. Combined U-Pb, hafnium and oxygen isotope analysis of zircons from meta-igneous rocks in the southern North China Craton reveal multiple events in the Late Mesoarchean-Early Neoarchean. Chem Geol, 2009, 261: 140–154

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Wang Y J, Zhang Y Z, Zhao G C, et al. Zircon U-Pb geochronological and geochemical constraints on the petrogenesis of the Taishan sanukitoids (Shandong): Implications for Neoarchean subduction in the Eastern Block, North China Craton. Precambrian Res, 2009, 174: 273–286

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Yang J H, Wu F Y, Wilde S A, et al. Petrogenesis and geodynamics of Late Archean magmatism in eastern Hebei, eastern North China Craton: Geochronological, geochemical and Nd-Hf isotopic evidence. Precambrian Res, 2008, 167: 125–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Geng Y S, Liu F L, Yang C H. Magmatic event at the end of the Archean in eastern Hebei Province and its geological implication (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Geol Sin, 2006, 80: 819–833

    Google Scholar 

  41. Lu X P, Wu F Y, Lin J Q, et al. Goechronological successions of the early Precambrian granitic magmatism in southern Liaodong Peninsula and its constraints on tectonic evolution of the North China Craton (in Chinese with English abstract). Chin J Geol, 2004, 39: 123–138

    Google Scholar 

  42. Zhao G C, Eilde S A, Cawood P, et al. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon ages of the Fuping complex: Implications for Late Archean to Paleoproterozoic accretion and assembly of the North China Craton. Amer J Sci, 2002, 302: 191–226

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Liu S W, Pan Y M, Li J H, et al. Geological and isotopic geochemical constraint on the evolution of the Fuping complex, North China Craton. Precambrian Res, 2002, 117: 41–56

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Jiang N, Guo J H, Zhai M G, et al. ∼2.7 Ga crust growth in the North China craton. Precambrian Res, 2010, 139: 37–49

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Wan Y S, Zhang Y Z, Zhao G C, et al. Zircon U-Pb geochronological and geochemical constraints on the petrogenesis of the Taishan sanukitoids (Shandong): Implications for Neoarchean subduction in the Eastern Block, North China Craton. Precambrian Res, 2009, 174: 273–286

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Yu S H, Liu S W, Tian W, et al. SHRIMP Zircon U-Pb Chronology and Geochemistry of the Henglingguan and Beiyü Granitoids in the Zhongtiao Mountains, Shanxi Province. Acta Geol Sin, 2006, 80: 912–924

    Google Scholar 

  47. Tan J, Zheng Y F, Wu Y B, et al. Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb dating, C and O isotopes for impure marbles from the Jiaobei terrene in the Sulu orogen: Implication for tectonic affinity. Precambrian Res, 2006, 144: 1–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Diwu C R, Sun Y, Yuan H L, et al. U-Pb ages and Hf isotopes for detrital zircons from quartzite in the Paleoproterozoic Songshan Group on the southwestern margin of the North China Craton. Chin Sci Bull, 2008, 53: 2828–2839

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Zhou Y Y, Zhao T P, Xue L W, et al. Petrological, geochemical and chronological for the origin and geological significance of the Neoarchean TTG gneisses in the Songshan area, North China Craton (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2009, 25: 331–347

    Google Scholar 

  50. Xue L W, Yuan Z L, Zhao T P, et al. Geochemistry and geochronology of metamorphic medium-basic volcanic rocks of Dengfeng Group in Jishan, Henan Province (in Chinese with English abstract). Geochemica, 2005, 34: 57–65

    Google Scholar 

  51. Diwu C R, Sun Y, Lin C L, et al. Zircon U-Pb ages and Hf isotopes and their geological significance of Yiyang TTG gneisses from Henan province, China (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2007, 23: 253–262

    Google Scholar 

  52. Gao L Z, Zhao T, Wan Y S, et al. Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb age of the Yuntaishan Precambrian metamorphic basement, Jiaozuo, Henan, China (in Chinese with English abstract). Geol Bull China, 2005, 24: 1089–1093

    Google Scholar 

  53. Yang E X, Tao Y P, Zhang X P, et al. SHRIMP zircon dating of granitic gravel from Neoarchean Yanlingguan Formation in western Shandong and its geological significance (in Chinese with English abstract). Geochemica, 2008, 37: 481–487

    Google Scholar 

  54. Tian W, Liu S W, Liu C R, et al. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon ages of TTG gneisses of the Sushui complex from Zhongtiaoshan, China. Adv Nat Sci, 2005, 15: 1476–1484

    Google Scholar 

  55. Guo L S, Liu S W, Liu Y L. Zircon Hf isotopic features of TTG gneisses and formation environment of Precambrian Sushui complex in Zhongtiao Mountains (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2008, 24: 139–148

    Google Scholar 

  56. Liu S W, Lü Y J, Feng Y G, et al. Geology and zircon U-Pb chronology of the Dantazi complex in northern Hebei Province (in Chinese with English abstract). Geol J China Univer, 2002, 13: 484–497

    Google Scholar 

  57. Shen Q H, Zhao Z R, Song B, et al. Geological and petrochemical features and SHRIMP zircon chronology of Neoarchean Mashan and Xueshan plutons from Yishui area, Shandong Province (in Chinese with English abstract). Geol Rev, 2007, 53: 180–186

    Google Scholar 

  58. Liu F, Guo J H, Lu X P, et al. Crustal growth at ∼2.5 Ga in the North China Craton: Evidence from whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopes in the Huai’an gneiss terrene. Chin Sci Bull, 2009, 54: 4704–4713

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Wan Y S, Song B, Yang C, et al. Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb geochronology of Archean rocks from the Fushun-Qingyuan area, Liaoning Province and its geological significance (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Geol Sin, 2005, 79: 78–87

    Google Scholar 

  60. Jahn B M, Liu D Y, Wan Y S, et al. Archean crustal evolution of the Jiaodong peninsula, China, as revealed by zircon SHRIMP geochronology, elemental and Nd-isotope geochemistry. Amer J Sci, 2008, 308: 232–269

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Wang Z H. Tectonic evolution of the Hengshan-Wutai-Fuping complexes and its implication for the Trans-North China Orogen. Precambrian Res, 2009, 170: 73–87

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Zhao G C, Wilde S A, Sun M, et al. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon geochronology of the Huai’an complex: Constraints on late Archean to Paleoproterozoic magmatic and metamorphic events in the Trans-North China orgen. Amer J Sci, 2008, 308: 270–303

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. Yang J H, Wu F Y, Wilde S A, et al. Petrogenesis and geodynamics of Late Archean magmatism in eastern Hebei, eastern North China Craton: Geochronological and Nd-Hf isotopic evidence. Precambrian Res, 2008, 167: 125–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. Jian P, Zhang Q, Liu D Y, et al. SHRIMP dating and geological significance of Late Archean high-Mg diorite (sanukite) and hornblende- granitic at Guyang of Inner Mongolia (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2005, 21: 151–157

    Google Scholar 

  65. Gao S, Zhou L, Ling W L, et al. Age and geochemistry of volcanic rocks of Angou Group at the Archean-Proterozoic boundary (in Chinese with English abstract). Earth Sci- J China Univ Geosci, 2005, 30: 259–263

    Google Scholar 

  66. Yang C H, Du L L, Wan Y S, et al. SHRIMP zircon U-Pb chronology of tonalitic gneiss in Banqiaogou area, Pingshan County, Hebei Province (in Chinese with English abstract). Geol J China Univ, 2004, 10: 514–522

    Google Scholar 

  67. Wang Z J, Shen Q H, Wan Y S. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon geochronology of the Shipaihe “metadiorite Mass” from Dengfeng County, Henan Province (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Geosci Sin, 2004, 25: 295–298

    Google Scholar 

  68. Wilde S A, Carwood P, Wang K Y, et al. Granitoid evolution in the Late Archean Wutai complex, North China Craton. J Asian Earth Sci, 2005, 24: 597–613

    Article  Google Scholar 

  69. Kröner A, Wilde S A, Li J H, et al. Age and evolution of a late Archean to Paleoproterozoic upper to lower crustal section in the Wutaishan/Hengshan/Fuping terrains of northern China. J Asian Earth Sci, 2005, 24: 577–595

    Article  Google Scholar 

  70. Guan H, Sun M, Wilde S A, et al. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon geochronology of the Fuping Complex: Implications for formation and assembly of the North China Craton. Precambrian Res, 2002, 113: 1–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  71. Shen Q H, Song B, Xu H F, et al. SHRIMP zircon chronology of Archean Caiyü and Dashan plutons form Yishui area, Shandong Province (in Chinese with English abstract). Geol Rev, 2004, 50: 275–284

    Google Scholar 

  72. Zheng P X. Archean genesis of granitic rocks and crustal evolution, in eastern Hebei and western Liaoning area (in Chinese with English abstract). PhD Thesis. Changchun: Jilin University, 2009

    Google Scholar 

  73. Zhai M G, Liu W J. Paleoproterozoic tectonic history of the North China craton: A review. Precambrian Res, 2003, 122: 183–199

    Article  Google Scholar 

  74. Zhao G C, Sun M, Wilde S A, et al. Late Archaean to Paleoproterozoic evolution of the North China Craton: Key issue revised. Precambrian Res, 2005, 136: 177–202

    Article  Google Scholar 

  75. Wang W, Wang S J, Liu D Y, et al. Formation age of BIF-bearing rocks in the Neoarchaean Jining Group in the western Shandong Province: Constraints from SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2010, 26: 1175–1181

    Google Scholar 

  76. Lu S N, Chen H Z, Xiang Z Q. Taishan International Geopark: Old Intrusive Rocks and Their Chronological Framework (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 2008. 5–80

    Google Scholar 

  77. Geng Y S, Shen Q H, Ren L D. Late Neoarchean to Early Paleoproterozoic magmatic events and tectonothermal system in the North China Craton (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2010, 26: 1945–1966

    Google Scholar 

  78. Weaver B L, Tarney J. Elemental depletion in Archaean granulite facies rocks. In: Atherton M P, Gribble C D, eds. Migmatite, Melting and Metamorphism. Nantwich: Shiva, 1983. 250–263

    Google Scholar 

  79. Zhai M G, Li T S, Peng P, et al. Precambrian key tectonic events and evolution of the North China Craton. In: Kusky T, Zhai M G, Xiao W J, eds. The Evolving Continents. Geol Soc Spe Pub London, 2010, 338: 235–262

  80. Li T S, Zhai M G, Peng P, et al. Ca. 2.5 billion year old coeval ultramafic-mafic and syenitic dykes in Eastern Hebei: Implications for cratonization of the North China Craton. Precambrian Res, 2010, 180: 143–155

    Article  Google Scholar 

  81. Sun H Y, Dong C Y, Xie H Q, et al. Forming ages of the Neoarchean Zhuzhangzi Group and Dantazi Goup in Qinglong area, East Hebei: Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb dating (in Chinese with English abstract). Geol Rev, 2010, 56: 890–898

    Google Scholar 

  82. Zhao Z H. Banded iron formation and related great oxidation event (in Chinese with English abstract). Earth Sci Front, 2010, 17: 1–12

    Google Scholar 

  83. Zahnle K J, Claire M W, Catling D C. The loss of mass-independent fractionation of sulfur due to a Paleoproterozoic collapse of atmosphere methane. Geobiology, 2006, 4: 271–283

    Article  Google Scholar 

  84. Sato M A. Less nickel for more oxygen. Nature, 2009, 458: 714–715

    Article  Google Scholar 

  85. Konhauser K O, Pecoits E, Lalonde S V, et al. Oceanic nickel depletion and a methanogen famine before the Great Oxidation Event. Nature, 2009, 458: 750–752

    Article  Google Scholar 

  86. Konhauser K O. Deepening the early oxygen debate. Nat Geosci, 2009, 2: 241–242

    Article  Google Scholar 

  87. Chen Y J, Liu C Q, Chen H Y. Carbon isotope geochemistry of graphite deposits and ore-bearing khondalite series in North China: Implications for several geoscientific problems (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2000, 16: 233–244

    Google Scholar 

  88. Tang H S, Che Y J, Wu G, et al. C-O isotopic characteristics and geological significance for carbonate of the Liaohe Group in northern Liaoning Province (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2008, 24: 129–138

    Google Scholar 

  89. Zhai M G, Peng P. Paleoproterozoic events in North China Craton (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2007, 23: 2665–2687

    Google Scholar 

  90. Zhai M G. 2.1–1.7 Ga geological event group and its geotectonic significance (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2004, 20: 1343–1354

    Google Scholar 

  91. Guo J H, Chen Y, Liu F, et al. Ultra-high temperature (UHT) metamorphism of sapphirine-bearing granulite with ∼1.8 Ga age in Daqingshan, Inner Mongolia. In: Abstract Volume of 2007 National Symposium of Petrology and Geodynamics. Nanjing: Nanjing University, 2006. 215–218

    Google Scholar 

  92. Santosh M, Wilde S A, Li J H. Timing of Paleoproterozoic ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism in the North China Craton: Evidence from SHRIMP U-Pb zircon geochronology. Precambrian Res, 2007, 159: 178–196

    Article  Google Scholar 

  93. Santosh M, Tsunogaeb T, Li J H, et al. Discovery of sapphirine-bearing Mg-Al granulites in the North China Craton: Implications for Paleoproterozoic ultrahigh temperature metamorphism. Gondwana Res, 2007, 11: 263–285

    Article  Google Scholar 

  94. Zhai M G, Liu, W J. Paleoproterozoic tectonic history of the North China craton: A review. Precambrian Res, 2003, 122: 183–199

    Article  Google Scholar 

  95. Zhai M G, Guo J H, Yan Y H, et al. Discovery and preliminary study of Archaean high-pressure basic granulites in North China. Sci China Ser B, 1993, 36: 1402–1408

    Google Scholar 

  96. Zhai M G, Guo J H, Li J H, et al. The discovery of Archaean retrograde eclogites in the North China Craton. Chin Sci Bull, 1996, 41: 315–320

    Google Scholar 

  97. Liu P H, Liu F L, Wang F, et al. Genetic mineralogy and metamorphic evolution of mafic high-pressure (HP) granulites from the Shadong Peninsula, China (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2010, 26: 2039–2056

    Google Scholar 

  98. Wang F, Liu F L, Liu P H, et al. Metamorphic evolution of Early Precambrian khondalites series in North Shandong Province (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2010, 26: 2057–2072

    Google Scholar 

  99. Zhao G C, Cawood P A, Wilde S A, et al. Thermal evolution of two textural types of mafic granulites in the North China Craton: Evidence for both mantle plume and collisional tectonics. Geol Mag, 1999, 136: 223–240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  100. Zhao G C, Sun M, Wilde S A, et al. Assembly, Accretion and breakup of the Paleoproterozoic Columbia supercontinent: Records in the North China Craton. Gondwana Res, 2003, 6: 417–434

    Article  Google Scholar 

  101. Zhao G C, Sun M, Wilde S A, et al. Late Archean to Paleoproterozoic evolution of the North China Craton: Key issues revisited. Precambrian Res, 2005, 136: 177–202

    Article  Google Scholar 

  102. Zhao G C, Wilde S A, Guo J H, et al. Single zircon grains record two Paleoproterozoic collisional events in the North China Craton. Precambrian Res, 2009, 177: 266–276

    Article  Google Scholar 

  103. Kusky T M, Li J H, Santosh M. The Paleoproterozoic North Hebei Orogen: North China Craton’s collisional suture with Columbia supercontinent. Gondwana Res, 2007, 12: 4–28

    Article  Google Scholar 

  104. Kusky T M, Windley B F, Zhai M G. Tectonic evolution of the North China Block: from orogen to craton to orogen. In: Zhai M G, Windley B F, Kusky T, et al, eds. Mesozoic Sub-continental Thinning Beneath Eastern North China. Geol Soc Spec Publ London, 2007, 280: 1–34

  105. Wang H C. The Paleoproterozoic granite belts along the northern NCC and its geotectonic significance. Gondwana Res, in press

  106. Li J H, Qian X L, Huang X N, et al. Tectonic framework of North China Block and its cratonization in the Early Precambrian (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2000, 16: 1–10

    Google Scholar 

  107. Li J H, Qian X L, Liu S W. Geochemical characteristics of khondalite series in middle part of the North China Craton and its significance to continental cratonization. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 1999, 29: 193–203

    Google Scholar 

  108. Zhou X W, Wei C J, Geng Y S, et al. Discovery and geological significance of meta-pelite of high-pressure granulite facies in Qixia, northern Shandong. Sci Bull, 2004, 49: 1424–1430

    Google Scholar 

  109. Liu YC, Wang A D, Li S G, et al. 1.8 Ga metamorphism of high-pressure granulite facies in the southeastern margin of the NCC: Evidences of petrology and zircon U-Pb chronology (in Chinese with English abstract). Bull Mineral Petrol Geochem, 2008, 27(Suppl): 172

    Google Scholar 

  110. Dong C Y, Wang S J, Liu D Y, et al. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating of meta-intermediate-basic intrusive rocks in eastern Shandong Province: Constraints on late Palaeoproterozoic crustal evolution of the North China Craton and formation time of the Jingshan Group (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, in press

  111. Zhang H F, Zhai M G, Peng P. Zircon SHRIMP U2Pb age of the Paleoproterozoic high2pressure granulites from the Sanggan area, the North China Craton and its geologic implications (in Chinese with English abstract). Earth Sci Front, 2006, 13: 1902–1909

    Google Scholar 

  112. Zhai M G. Two kinds of granulites (HT-HP and HT-UHT) in North China Craton: Their genetic relation and geotectonic implications (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2009, 25: 1553–1571

    Google Scholar 

  113. Li J H, Qian X L, Hou G T, et al. Late Paleoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic tectonic framework and major tectono-thermal episodes of North China: New interpretation of “Lüliang Orogeny”. Earth Sci- J China Univ Geosci, 2000, 25: 15–20

    Google Scholar 

  114. Zhai M G, Shao J A, Hao J, et al. Geological signature and possible position of the North China Block in the Supercontinent Rodinia. Gondwana Res, 2003, 6: 171–183

    Article  Google Scholar 

  115. Zhao T P, Zhai M G, Xia B, et al. Study on the zircon SHRIMP ages of the Xiong’er Group volcanic rocks: Constraint on the starting time of covering strata in the North China Craton. Chin Sci Bull, 2004, 9: 2495–2502

    Google Scholar 

  116. Zhao T P, Chen F K, Zhai M G, et al. Zircon U-Pb ages of anorthosite from Damiao, Hebei Province (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2004, 20: 685–690

    Google Scholar 

  117. Peng P, Zhai M G, Guo J H. 1.80–1.75 Ga mafic dyke swarms in the central North China craton: implications for a plume-related break-up event. In: Hanski E, Mertanen S, Rämö T, et al., eds. Dyke Swarms-Time Markers of Crustal Evolution. London: Taylor & Francis, 2006. 99–112

    Google Scholar 

  118. Peng P, Zhai M G, Ernst R, et al. A 1.78 Ga large igneous province in the North China Craton: The Xiong’er Volcanic Province and the North China dyke swarm. Lithos, 2008, 101: 260–280

    Article  Google Scholar 

  119. Zhao G C, Cawood P A, Wilde S A, et al. Review of Global 2.1–1.8 Ga orogenics: Implications for a pre-Rodinia supercontinent. Earth-Sci Rev, 2002, 59: 125–162

    Article  Google Scholar 

  120. Zhang Q S, et al. Geology and Metallogeny of the Early Precambrian in China (in Chinese with English summary). Changchun: Jilin People’s Press, 1984. 100–335

    Google Scholar 

  121. Zhai M G, Windley B F. The Archaean and Early Proterozoic banded iron formations of North China: their characteristics, geotectonic relations, chemistry and implications for crustal growth. Precambrian Res, 1990, 48: 267–286

    Article  Google Scholar 

  122. Zhai A M, Shen B F. Proterozoic tectonic evolution and metallogeny in China (in Chinese). In: Zhang Y X, Liu L D, eds. Precambrian Ore-deposits and Tectonics. Beijing: Seismological Press, 1994. 125–146

    Google Scholar 

  123. Pei R F, et al. Metallogenic Models in China. Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1995

    Google Scholar 

  124. Chen Y C, Pei R F, Song T R, et al. Metallogenic Series in China (in Chinese), Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1998

    Google Scholar 

  125. Shen B F, Zhai A M, Chen W L, et al. The Precambrian Mineralization of China (in Chinese with English summary). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 2006. 40–116

    Google Scholar 

  126. Zhai Y S, Deng J, Li X B. Essentials of Metallogeny (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1999. 197–207

    Google Scholar 

  127. Zhai M G. Tectonic evolution and metallogenesis (in Chinese with English abstract). Mineral Deposits, 2010, 29: 24–36

    Google Scholar 

  128. Zhai M G, Yang J H, Fan H R, et al. A large-scale cluster of gold deposits and metallogenesis in the Eastern North China Craton. Int Geol Rev, 2002, 44: 458–476

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China

    MingGuo Zhai

Authors
  1. MingGuo Zhai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to MingGuo Zhai.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Zhai, M. Cratonization and the Ancient North China Continent: A summary and review. Sci. China Earth Sci. 54, 1110–1120 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-011-4250-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-011-4250-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation