Paleogeomorphic evolution in eastern North China controlled by the subsidence of the marginal sea shelf since late Cenozoic

Abstract

Since the late Cenozoic, the geomorphology in the eastern part of North China have undergone tremendous changes under the influence of a variety of complex factors, but the exact process and finalization time are still controversial. The Badlands numerical simulation tool was used to dynamically reconstruct the geomorphic evolution process in eastern North China since the late Cenozoic (25 Ma). The  rationality of the simulation results was validated by comparing with  the regional tectonic framework and sedimentary distribution. The results show that the geomorphology in the eastern North China has been finalized and tends to evolve stably in Neogene, and is mainly controlled by tectonic activities. In addition, in the eastern part of North China during this period, there may be an ancient river - "East China River" around the Shandong Peninsula. It was formed no later than the Early Neogene, and may disappear during the Holocene. The results can provide quantitative basis for the study of geomorphic evolution and sedimentary process on the tectonic scale.