Precambrian geology of China: Preface

Abstract

The North China, South China and Tarim cratons compose the tectonic framework of China. In the last decade, extensive structural, metamorphic, geochemical, geochronological and geophysical investigations have been carried out on these cratonic blocks, producing an abundant amount of new data and competing interpretations, which have resulted in refinement of, and in some cases significant reinterpretations of, the Precambrian crustal formation and evolution of China. This forms a justification for organizing this special issue in which we invited representative experts working in the North China, South China and Tarim cratons to present overviews or detailed studies on the formation and tectonic evolution of major Precambrian blocks in China. Twenty-four contributions collected in this special issue provide current knowledge of the components and tectonic evolution of major Precambrian blocks in China, and discuss some key issues based on new data and interpretations, which will provide important insights into understanding the Precambrian geology of China.