Geodynamical Evolution and Tectonic Framework of China

In this paper, we show that the tectonic framework of mainland China consists of “three latitudinal strips”, namely, Tianshan-Yinshan-Yanshan, Qinling-Dabie, and Nanling; “two longitudinal strips” namely, Daxing'anling Taihangshan Wulingshan, Helanshan-Longmenshan; and “two triangles”, Songpan-Ganzi, and Chaidamu. The geodynamic evolution of China can be considered in five-stages, which can be summarised as a kind of “teeterboard-like” process. The evolutionary process is that in the Palaeozoic era, the China mainland had lower elevation in the west and higher in the east, with OrdosSichuan as an axis. After the Mesozoic era, because the blocks of Qiangtang, Gangdese, and India collided and sutured with the Tarim block. During this time closure of the Tethys ocean occurred, and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau formed. In the Cenozoic subduction of the Pacific plate northwestwards under the Philippine Sea began, and the Philippine Sea block converged towards the Eurasian plate. This was associated with extension and thinning of the crust in East China, which resulted in the uplift of the land in the west and subsidence in the east of China. Finally, we point out that research on the geodynamic evolution of the terranes is of practical significance in prospecting for mineral deposits and hydrocarbon resources.