Corresponding Main Metallogenic Epochs to Key Geological Events in the North China Craton: An Example for Secular Changes in the Evolving Earth

Abstract

Precambrian period is an oldest and longest eon from 545 Ma to about 4500 Ma, taking over ~90 % of the Earth’s history. The 80–90 % continental crust in the Earth generated in Precambrian and records complicated geotectonic processes. The most important geological events in Precambrian tectonic evolution include Neoarchean enormous crustal growth, tectonic regime inversion from pre-plate tectonics to plate tectonics, and Great Oxidention Event (GOE) in Paleoproterozoic. The North China Craton (NCC) is one of oldest cratons in the world and records almost all the important geological events occurred in other cratons of the Earth. The NCC also demonstrates some special characteristics, such as multi-stage cratonization, Paleoproterozoic rift–subduction–collision event, Earth’s paleo-climate and paleo-environment change, and Late Paleoproterozoic–Neoproterozoic multi-stage rifting event. These important geological events controlled mineralization with tectonic evolution and formed various and abundant ore deposits in the NCC. Here, we summarize geological events and metallogenic systems of the NCC and conclude that from Early Precambrian through Late Precambrian to Paleozoic and Mesozoic, the NCC records a transition from primitive- to modern-style plate tectonics. The NCC went through five major tectonic cycles: (1) the Neoarchean crustal growth and stabilization, (2) Paleoproterozoic rifting–subduction–accretion–collision with imprints of the Great Oxidation Event (GOE), (3) Late Paleoproterozoic–Neoproterozoic multi-stage rifting, (4) Paleozoic orogenesis at the margins of the craton; and (5) Mesozoic extensional tectonics associated with lithosphere thinning and decratonization. Coinciding with these major geological events, five major metallogenic systems are identified as follows: (1) Archean BIF system, (2) Paleoproterozoic Cu–Pb–Zn and Mg-B systems, (3) Mesoproterozoic REE–Fe–Pb–Zn system, (4) Paleozoic orogenic Cu-Mo system, and (5) Mesozoic intracontinental Au and Ag–Pb–Zn and Mo systems. The ore deposit types in each of these metallogenic systems show distinct characteristics and tectonic affinities. The NCC provides one of the best examples to address secular changes in geological history and metallogenic epochs in the evolving Earth. This regular pattern is suitable to other continent blocks in the world, which reveals coevolution and irreversible character of Earth system on material, structure, and environment.