A discussion on the tectonic framework of Chinese mainland

Abstract：A new way of thinking is opened up by the generation of the continental dynamic theory and its application to the study of tectonics of Chinese mainland. The Precambrian basement and the South China-Indo-China stratigraphic framework are regarded as the essential factors in the outlining and subdivision of the tectonic framework of Chinese mainland. Nevertheless, it is also necessary to carry out studies of important intracontinental deformation structures such as large scale strike-slip faulting, nappe structures and extrusion tectonics as well as their influence on the tectonic framework formed during and before the Indo-China stage. The properties of the pre-Indo-China tectonic units should therefore be reevaluated through tectonic reconstruction. A study of the tectonic reconstruction of Western China has led the authors to believe that Alxa, Mid-Qilian, Qaidam and northern Qiangtang blocks as well as Tarim plate belong to a unified craton of Xiyu Plate, while Kunlun-Qilian-Qinling ocean plate is not existent. The Early Paleozoic Maijia'er-North Qilian small ocean basin and Late Paleozoic East Kunlun-Animaqing-Jinshajiang faulted depression ocean basin might have resulted from the wedging action of the ridge of Paleo-Tethys ocean, and the environment must have been quite similar to that of the present Red Sea-Aden gulf. This paper deals with some of the basic controversies concerning the tectonic framework of China and its adjacent areas, with an investigation of the tectonic evolution of Chinese mainland in such aspects as the properties and ascription of Alxa and northern Qiangtang blocks, the confirmation of the existence of Western China plate, the tectonic subdivision of the North Asian tectonic domain in China, the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous intracontinental deformation and Central Asia extrusion tectonics, the subdivision of Sino-Korean plate and Yangtze-South China plate and the ascription of the southern North Yellow sea and Korean peninsula.