Neoarchean plate tectonic evolution of North China andits correlation with global cratonic blocks

The plate tectonic theory represents a major scientific achievement in the twentieth century. The main question in the new century is how to develop the theory to advance the study of geodynamics. In this paper, we attempt to briefly review the research progress on granite-greenstone terrains, high-grade gneiss terrains, Archean oceanic relicts, orogeny, plate tectonics, and supercontinents. By considering this global research, the outstanding problems in understanding the early geological evolution of North China craton may be summarized as follows: tectonics of Neoarchean orogenic belts, collisional process and coupling of basin and range. Through research on Neoarchean ophiolite complexes, especially podiform chromites and pyrolites, it is now possible to document the oceanic lithosphere, oceanic spreading, and convective processes. Accordingly, the Neoarchean plate boundaries and interaction between oceanic and continent plates can be studied. Furthermore, understanding the correlations of central orogenic belt of North China with other continents may be helpful to recognize the assembly of North China craton with early supercontinent or supercraton.