Archean to Paleoproterozoic Evolution of the North China Craton: Preface

Abstract

As one of representative cratons in China, the North China Craton records a long-term and complicated tectonic history, including the formation of Eoarchean continental nucleus, Neoarchean continental crustal growth and reworking, Paleoproterozoic amalgamation of micro-blocks and formation of orogenic belts related to the Columbia supercontinent, and formation of late Paleoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic rifts. In recent years, extensive geochemical, geochronological, magmatic and metamorphic, structural, and geophysical investigations have been carried out on the North China Craton, which have resulted in a series of new achievements and some percussive interpretations of the Precambrian continental crustal formation and evolution. These new data and results allow us to make a correct judgment for organizing this special issue in which representative and creative experts currently working in the craton exhibit outcomes of their research on the craton. Thirty-nine contributions have been collected in this special issue, which provide insightful understanding of the components, magmatism and metamorphism, metallogeny, and tectonic evolution of the North China Craton, and give an insight into discussion about some key issues on the basis of new data and interpretation. Such a special issue will not only make a timely addition to the literatures on the Precambrian research field, but will also open a new window through which the international geological community will adequately understand what major advancements have been obtained in the Precambrian geology of the North China Craton and what issues are still unresolved and controversial at present.