Rheological Properties of the Continental Lower Crust and Destruction Mechanism of the North China Craton

This paper gives an overview of the basic features of the structure and composition of the continental crust in East China.It summarizes the destruction of the North China Craton and its mechanisms,the hot topic for geodynamic community in the literature.By comparing different rheological structures of continental lithosphere,the significance of rheological properties of continental lower crust is emphasized for understanding the destruction mechanism of the North China Craton.It is suggested that fine rheological experiments at high pressure and temperature and quantitative hydroxyl analyses are important for solving the destruction mechanism puzzle.