Prospect of researches on regional tectonics of China

Abstract：Based on the result of regional geological survey in China, this paper tries to generalize the theoretical system of China’s regional tectonics so as to outline its geodynamics and evolution in earth history. As we know, China is located at the juncture between the Circum-Pacific tectonic belt and the Tethys tectonic domain, with tectonic characteristics of a composite continent. Such a continent is composed of several geological blocks with distinct structures, biogeography fauna and evolution history. The blocks have been welded and amalgamated into the continent in the past 400 Ma years. Thus, China’s regional tectonics can make its due contribution to global tectonic theory in the following aspects：First, the tectonic blocks (or platforms) in China are small, non-rigid, with strong deformation of cover rocks in comparison with such other cratons as North American craton and African craton, and this phenomenon provides a window for studying continent growth and evolution. Second, the tectonic blocks of China’s composite continent were derived from different parts of the globe. Therefore, comprehensive research is necessary on large-scale paleomagnetism, paleontology-geography, paleo-sedimentation, paleo-tectonics, paleo-mineralization and paleo-environments, so as to understand the tectonic positions of China in global framework in different stages of its tectonic history. Such a study will surely contribute to the research on global tectonics. Third, China has many orogenic belts, in which the Tibetan Plateau and the Taiwan Coast Ranges are characterized by continental-continental collision and arc-continental collision in progress, respectively. The paleo/new-orogenic belts and their tectonic evolutions will enrich theories of global continental accretion. Fourth, geologists have long paid much attention to the retreat progress and path of Paleo-Tethys ocean from Paleo-Asian ocean, but without satisfactory result so far. The formation of Mesozoic-Cenozoic intra-continental deformation and basin-mountain tectonics-geomorphology in China is a hot topic which needs in-depth study in the light of continental dynamics. Sixth, the impact of geological processes on environmental change has also enlarged the area of regional tectonic studies.　　Facing development of science and technology in the new century, inter-discipline studies and new technology application will surely promote geological research. We are about to see the new flourishing prospect of China’s regional tectonic study.