Paleoproterozoic evolution of the eastern Alxa Block, westernmost North China: Evidence from in situ zircon U-Pb dating and Hf-O isotopes

► In situ U-Pb age and Hf-O isotope analyses for the Bayanwulashan and Diebusige Complexes in the eastern Alxa Block. ► No evidence to support existence of exposed Archean rocks in the eastern Alxa Block. ► Alxa Block was most likely an independent terrane to other parts of the North China Craton in the Paleoproterozoic.