Skip to main content
Log in

Formation and evolution of Precambrian continental crust in South China

  • Review
  • Published:
Chinese Science Bulletin

Abstract

The occurrence of zircons with U-Pb ages of ∼3.8 Ga and Hf model ages of ∼4.0 Ga in South China suggests the existence of the Hadean crustal remnants in South China. Furthermore, a detrital zircon with a U-Pb age as old as 4.1 Ga has been found in Tibet. This is the oldest zircon so far reported in China. These results imply that continental crust was more widespread than previously thought in the late Hadean, but its majority was efficiently reworked into Archean continental crust. On the basis of available zircon U-Pb age and Hf isotope data, it appears that the growth of continental crust in South China started since the early Archean, but a stable cratonic block through reworking did not occur until the Paleoproterozoic. Thus the operation of some form of plate tectonics may occur in China continents since Eoarchean. The initial destruction of the South China craton was caused by intensive magmatic activity in association with the assembly and breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia during the Neoproterozoic. However, most of the Archean and Paleoproterozoic crustal materials in South China do not occur as surface rocks, but exist as sporadic crustal remnants. Nevertheless, the occurrence of Neoproterozoic magmatism is still a signature to distinguish South China from North China.

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

Access this article

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. Albarede F. The growth of continental crust. Tectonophysics, 1998, 296: 1–14

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Condie, K C. Episodic continental growth models: afterthoughts and extensions. Tectonophysics, 2000, 322: 153–162

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Nutman A P, Friend C R L, Bennett V C. Review of the oldest (4400—3600 Ma) geological and mineralogical record: Glimpses of the beginning. Episodes, 2001, 24: 93–101

    Google Scholar 

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

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Xu X S, O’Reilly S Y, Griffin W L, et al. Relict Proterozoic basement in the Nanling Mountains (SE China) and its tectonothermal overprinting. Tectonics, 2005, 24(2): doi: 10.1029/2004TC001652

  6. Yu J H, Wang L J, Zhou X H, et al. Compositions and formation history of the basement metamorphic rocks in northeastern Guangdong Province. J China Univ Geosci, 2006, 31(1): 38–48

    Google Scholar 

  7. Yu J H, O’Reilly Y S, Wang L J, et al. Finding of ancient materials in Cathaysia and implication for the formation of Precambrian crust. Chin Sci Bull, 2007, 52(1): 13–22

    Google Scholar 

  8. Zhang S B, Zheng Y F, Wu Y B, et al. Zircon isotope evidence for ≥3.5 Ga continental crust in the Yangtze craton of China. Precambr Res, 2006, 146: 16–34

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Zhang S B, Zheng Y F, Wu Y B, et al. Zircon U-Pb age and Hf-O isotope evidence for Paleoproterozoic metamorphic event in South China. Precambr Res, 2006, 151: 265–288

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Zhang S B, Zheng Y F, Wu Y B, et al. Zircon U-Pb age and Hf isotope evidence for 3.8 Ga crustal remnant and episodic reworking of Archean crust in South China. Earth Planet Sci Lett, 2006, 252: 56–71

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Zheng J P, Griffin W L, O’Reilly S Y, et al. Widespread Archean basement beneath the Yangtze craton. Geology, 2006, 34: 417–420

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Zheng Y F. Neoproterozoic magmatic activity and global change. Chin Sci Bull, 2003, 48(16): 1639–1656

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Gao S, Ling W L, Qiu Y M, et al. Contrasting geochemical and Sm-Nd isotopic compositions of Archean metasediments from the Kongling high-grade terrane of the Yangtze craton: Evidence for cratonic evolution and redistribution of REE during crustal anatomies. Geochim Cosmochim Acta, 1999, 63: 2071–2088

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Qiu Y M, Gao S, McNaughton N J, et al. First evidence of ≥ 3.2Ga continental crust in the Yangtze craton of South China and its implications for Archean crustal evolution and Phanerozoic tectonics. Geology, 2000, 28: 11–14

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Gan X, Li H, Sun D, et al. A Geochronological study on early Proterozoic granitic rocks, Southwestern Zhejiang. Acta Petrol Miner (in Chinese with English abstract), 1995, 14(1): 1–8

    Google Scholar 

  16. Li S, Chen Y, Ge N, et al. Isotopic ages of metavolcanic rocks and metacryst mylonite in the Badu Group in Southwestern Zhejiang Province and their implications for tectonics. Acta Petrol Sin (in Chinese with English abstract), 1996, 12(1): 79–87

    Google Scholar 

  17. Li X, Wang Y, Zhao Z, et al. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon geochronology for amphibolite from the Precambrian basement in SW Zhejiang and NW Fujian Provinces. Geochimica (in Chinese with English abstract), 1998, 27(4): 327–334

    Google Scholar 

  18. Zhao G C, Cawood P A. Tectonothermal evolution of the Mayuan assemblage in the Cathaysia Block: implications for Neoproterozoic collision-related assembly of the South China craton. Am J Sci, 1999, 299: 309–339

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Ma G G, Li H Q, Zhang Z C. An investigation of the age limits of the Sinian System in South China. Yichang Institute Geol Miner Resour Bull (in Chinese with English abstract), 1984, 8: 1–29

    Google Scholar 

  20. Liu X, Gao S, Ling W, et al. The discovery of 3.5 Ga detrital zircons in the Yangtze craton and its geological implications. Prog Nat Sci, 2005, 15(11): 1334–1337

    Google Scholar 

  21. Wu YB, Chen D G, Xia Q K, et al. SIMS U-Pb dating of zircons in granulite of Huangtuling from Northern Dabieshan. Acta Petrol Sin (in Chinese with English abstract), 2002, 18(3): 378–382

    Google Scholar 

  22. Chen D G, Deloule E, Xia Q K, et al. Metamorphic zircon from Shuanghe ultra-high pressure eclogite, Dabieshan: ion microprobe and internal micro-structure study. Acta Petrol Sin (in Chinese with English abstract), 2002, 18(3): 367–377

    Google Scholar 

  23. Chavagnac V, Jahn B M, Villa I M, et al. Multichronometric evidence for an in situ origin of the ultrahigh-pressure terrane of Dabieshan, China. J Geol, 2001, 109: 633–646

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Zhang Q, Jian P, Liu DY, et al. SHRIMP dating of volcanic rocks from Ningwu area and its geological implications. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 2003, 46(8): 830–837

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Huang J, Zheng Y F, Zhao Z F, et al. Melting of subducted continent: element and isotopic evidence for a genetic relationship between Neoproterozoic and Mesozoic granitoids in the Sulu orogen. Chem Geol, 2006, 229: 227–256

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Yin C Y, Liu D Y, Gao L Z, et al. Lower boundary age of the Nanhua System and the Gucheng glacial stage: Evidence from SHRIMP II dating. Chin Sci Bull, 2003, 48: 1657–1662

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Yu J H, Zhou X H, O’Reilly Y S, et al. Formation history and protolith characteristics of granulite facies metamorphic rock in Central Cathaysia. Chin Sci Bull, 2005, 50(18): 2080–2089

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Compston W, Williams I S, Kirschvink J L, et al. Zircon U-Pb ages for the Early Cambrian time-scale. J Geol Soc London, 1992, 149: 171–184

    Google Scholar 

  29. Liu H, Xia B, Zhang Y. Zircon SHRIMP dating of sodium alkaline rocks from Maomaogou area of Huili County in Panxi, SW China and its geological implications. Chin Sci Bull, 2004, 49(16): 1750–1757

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Chen Y, Luo Z, Zhao J, et al. Petrogenesis and dating of the Kangding complex, Sichuan Province. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 2005, 48(5): 622–634

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Ding X, Zhou X, Sun T. The episodic growth of the continental crustal basement in South China: single zircon LA-ICPMS U-Pb dating of Guzhai granodiorite in Guangdong. Geol Rev (in Chinese with English abstract), 51(4): 382–392

  32. Lan C Y, Chung S L, Lo C H, et al. First evidence for Archean continental crust in northern Vietnam and its implications for crustal and tectonic evolution in Southeast Asia. Geology, 2001, 29: 219–222

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Duo J, Wen C, Guo J, et al. 4.1 Ga old detrital zircon in western Tibet of China. Chin Sci Bull, 2007, 52(1): 23–26

    Google Scholar 

  34. Wu Y B, Chen D G, Deloule E, et al. Zircon U-Pb ion probe ages of gneisses from the northern Dabie terrane and their geological implications. Geol Rev (in Chinese with English abstract), 2001, 47(3): 239–244

    Google Scholar 

  35. Bryant D L, Ayers J C, Gao S, et al. Geochemical, age, and isotopic constraints on the location of the Sino-Korean/Yangtze Suture and evolution of the Northern Dabie Complex, east central China. Geol Soc Amer Bul, 2004, 116: 698–717

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Ayers J C, Dunkle S, Gao S, et al. Constraints on timing of peak and retrograde metamorphism in the Dabie Shan ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt, east-central China, using U-Th-Pb dating of zircon and monazite. Chem Geol, 2002, 186: 315–331

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Wu Y B, Zheng Y F, Zhao Z F, et al. U-Pb, Hf and O isotopes evidence for two episodes of fluid-assisted zircon growth in marble-hosted eclogites from the Dabie Orogen. Geochim Cosmochim Acta, 2006, 70: 3743–3761

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Liu F L, Gerdes A, Liou J G, et al. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating from Sulu-Dabie dolomitic marble, South China: constraints on prograde, ultrahigh-pressure and retrograde metamorphic ages. J Metamorph Geol, 2006, 24: 569–589

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Maruyama S, Tabata H, Nutman A P, et al. SHRIMP U-Pb geochronology of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks of the Dabie Mountains, Central China. Cont Dyn, 1998, 3: 72–85

    Google Scholar 

  40. Zheng Y F, Zhao Z F, Wu Y B, et al. Zircon U-Pb age, Hf and O isotope constraints on protolith origin of ultrahigh-pressure eclogite and gneiss in the Dabie orogen. Chem Geol, 2006, 231: 135–158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Chen D G, Deloule E, Cheng H, et al. Preliminary study of microscale zircon oxygen isotopes for Dabie-Sulu metamorphic rocks: Ion probe in situ analyses. Chin Sci Bull, 2003, 48(16): 1670–1678

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Li X P, Zheng Y F, Wu Y B, et al. Low-T eclogite in the Dabie terrane of China: Petrological and isotopic constraints on fluid activity and radiometric dating. Contrib Miner Petrol, 2004, 148: 443–470

    Google Scholar 

  43. Tang J, Zheng Y F, Wu Y B, et al. Zircon U-Pb ages and oxygen isotopes of high-grade metamorphic rocks in the eastern part of the Shandong Peninsula. Acta Petrol Sin (in Chinese with English abstract), 2004, 20(5): 1039–1062

    Google Scholar 

  44. Yang J S, Wooden J L, Wu C L, et al. SHRIMP U-Pb dating of coesite-bearing zircon from the ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks, Sulu terrane, East China. J Metamor Geol, 2003, 21: 551–560

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Peng T P, Wang Y J, Fan W M, et al. SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating on early Mesozoic felsic igneous rocks in southern Lantsang River and its tectonic implications. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 2006, 46: 1032–1042

    Google Scholar 

  46. Zhao G C, Sun M, Wilde S A, et al. Assembly, accretion and breakup of the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Columbia supercontinent: records in the North China Craton. Gondwana Res, 2003, 6: 417–434

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Zhao G C, Sun M, Wilde S A, et al. A Paleo-Mesoproterozoic supercontinent: assembly, growth and breakup. Earth Sci Rev, 2004, 67: 91–123

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Zhou M F, Yan D P, Kennedy A K, et al. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon geochronological and geochemical evidence for Neoproterozoic arc-magmatism along the western margin of the Yangtze Block, South China. Earth Planet Sci Lett, 2002, 196: 51–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Zhou M F, Kennedy A K, Sun M, et al. Neoproterozoic arc-related mafic intrusions along the northern margin of South China: Implications for the accretion of Rodinia. J Geol, 2002, 110: 611–618

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Li X H, Li Z X, Ge W, et al. Neoproterozoic granitoids in South China: crustal melting above a mantle plume at ca. 825 Ma? Precambr Res, 2003, 122: 45–83

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Li Z X, Li X H, Kinny P D, et al. Geochronology of Neoproterozoic syn-rift magmatism in the Yangtze Craton, South China and correlations with other continents: evidence for a mantle superplume that broke up Rodinia. Pecambr Res, 2003, 122: 85–109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Zheng Y F, Wu Y B, Chen F K, et al. Zircon U-Pb and oxygen isotope evidence for a large-scale 18O depletion event in igneous rocks during the Neoproterozoic. Geochim Cosmochim Acta, 2004, 68: 4145–4165

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Wang X L, Zhou J C, Qiu J S, et al. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon geochronology of the Neoproterozoic igneous rocks from Northern Guangxi, South China: Implications for tectonic evolution. Precambr Res, 2006, 145: 111–130

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Wu R X, Zheng Y F, Wu Y B, et al. Reworking of juvenile crust: element and isotope evidence from Neoproterozoic granodiorite in South China. Precambr Res, 2006, 146: 179–212

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Zhou M F, Ma Y X, Yan D P, et al. The Yanbian Terrane (southern Sichuan Province, SW China): A Neoproterozoic arc assemblage in the western margin of the Yangtze Block. Precambr Res, 2006, 144: 19–38

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Zheng Y F, Zhang S B, Zhao Z F, et al. Contrasting zircon Hf and O isotopes in the two episodes of Neoproterozoic granitoids in South China: implications for growth and reworking of continental crust. Lithos, 2007, doi: 10.1016/j.lithos.2006.10.003

  57. Gao S, Rudnick R L, Yuan H L, et al., Recycling lower continental crust in the North China craton. Nature, 2004, 432: 892–897

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Wu F Y, Lin J Q, Wilde S A. Nature and significance of the Early Cretaceous giant igneous event in eastern China. Earth Planet Sci Lett, 2005, 233: 103–119

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Xu Y G. Thermo-tectonic destruction of the Achaean lithospheric keel beneath the Sino-Korean craton in China: evidence, timing and mechanism. Phys Chem Earth (A), 2001, 26: 747–757

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Kemp A I S, Hawkesworth C J, Paterson B A, et al. Episodic growth of the Gondwana supercontinent from hafnium and oxygen isotopes in zircon. Nature, 2006, 439: 580–583

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Chen J F, Jahn B M. Crustal evolution of southeastern China: Nd and Sr isotope evidence. Tectonophysics, 1998, 284: 101–133

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Zheng Y F, Wu Y B, Zhao Z F, et al. Metamorphic effect on zircon Lu-Hf and U-Pb isotope systems in ultrahigh-pressure eclogite-facies metagranite and metabasite. Earth Planet Sci Lett, 2005, 240: 378–400

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Zheng YongFei.

Additional information

Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 40334036) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. KZCX2-SW-141)

About this article

Cite this article

Zheng, Y., Zhang, S. Formation and evolution of Precambrian continental crust in South China. CHINESE SCI BULL 52, 1–12 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-007-0015-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-007-0015-5

Keywords

Navigation