Post-cratonization deformation processes and tectonic evolution of the North China Craton

The timing of events during the tectonic evolution of the North China Craton (NCC) and the east China region is debated. Extension, compression, transpression, and shearing occurred throughout the NCC since similar to 320 Ma. These main structural stages and the temporal evolution of the structural framework and kinematics are summarized. We present here data from multiple structural and magmatic stages related to temporally varying kinematics and deformation mechanisms during the evolution of the post-cratonization of the NCC. The timing of each stage is constrained using isotopic dating, along with the timing of magmatic intrusion, dyke intrusion, and basin formation associated with tectonic transformation of the NCC. Age data indicate distinct structural and magmatic stages at similar to 1600-1500, 1300-1100, 445-315, 270-200, 170-155, 130-110, 75-65, and 25-20 Ma, relating to basin formation and continental uplift or collapse. These stages define the tectonic evolution and structural transformation of the NCC and associated de-rooting, reactivation, reworking, and orogenic growth. The tectonic setting and movement direction of adjacent plates changed multiple times during the various stages. The stages are as follows: separation of the NCC from the Gondwana supercontinent and northwards drift; formation of the Central Asian orogenic belt (CAOB) and northwards subduction of the Yangtze plate, resulting in closure of the Qinling Ocean; the rapid initial formation of the western Pacific plate and subsequent subduction; and final closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean, combined with closure of the Bangong-Nujiang Suture Zone and southwards movement of the Siberian continent, as well as thinning of the North China cratonic lithosphere. Moreover, temporal and spatial changes in deformation, magmatism, and basin formation, as well as kinematic and mechanical transformations, occurred in response to the changing tectonic setting and movement direction of surrounding plates. These various factors resulted in a complex structural evolution of the NCC since 1.8 Ga.