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  • FU Chao, LI Jun-jian, ZHANG Shuai, DANG Zhi-cai, TANG Wen-long, Orolmaa Demberel
    North China Geology. 2023, 46(1): 1-19. https://doi.org/10.19948/j.12-1471/P.2023.01.01
    The border area between China and Mongolia developing various types of intrusive rock is an important part of the complex tectonic environment in the Central Asian orogenic belt. In the area, rock type and rock combination rich variety with a large age span. Discussing the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics and establishing intrusive rock framework has important significance in understanding the regional tectonic evolution and crust mantle activity. Taking the magmatic cycle as the main line, the paper compared the spatial and temporal characteristics of intrusive rock between the Lvliangian to the Yanshanian, that clearly reflects the "active" in the crust collision and suturing began in the Caledonian and reached its peak in the Variscan. This indicates that the crust gradually sutures from west to east. The orogenic process differ between western Altay orogenic belt and Eastern Xing'an Mongolian orogenic belt under different tectonic units. In addition, there are large-scale magmatic belts on both sides of the regional fault, and regional faults control the scope and scale of the intrusive rock significantly.
  • The 60th Anniversary Special Issue(The Study of Precambrian Geology)
    CHANG Qing-song, SHI Jian-rong, ZHANG Jia-hui, WANG Hui-chu, REN Yun-wei
    North China Geology. 2022, 45(2): 68-75. https://doi.org/10.19948/j.12-1471/P.2022.02.05
    Paleoproterozoic mafic granulites have been one of the research hotspots in tectonic revolution of North China Craton. Recent 1/50000 regional geological survey in which the author has participated has shown that there are two phases of age information for the Paleoproterozoic mafic granulites in Jining area. The early phase is 1.96 Ga~1.91 Ga, which records the evolution of emplacement of the protoliths of the mafic granulites, the ultra- high temperature metamorphic of the khondalites and origin of the remelted granites and the simultaneously granulite-high amphibolite facies metamorphism. This phase of magmatic event, together with the regional ~1.95 Ga high-pressure granulite metamorphic ages, records the evolution of the orogenic collision-post-collisional extension. The later phase is the 1.85 Ga~1.80 Ga metamorphic age, possibly indicating the widespread influence of the ~1.85 Ga extrusive orogenic event.
  • The 60th Anniversary Special Issue(The Study of Precambrian Geology)
    REN Yun-wei, ZHANG Jia-hui, TIAN Hui, WANG Hui-chu, SHI Jian-rong, CHANG Qing-song, ZHANG Kuo
    North China Geology. 2022, 45(2): 76-86. https://doi.org/10.19948/j.12-1471/P.2022.02.06
    Through detailed field geological work around Huaian- Tianzhen area, a suite of monzogranites has been distinguished from the TTG gneiss in the Huai’an complex. The zircon U-Pb ages of one monzogranite sample are 2 472±10 Ma and 2 448±9 Ma respectively obtained through LA-ICP-MS and SHRIMP methods. The contents of SiO2, Al2O3, K2O, Na2O and K2O are 70.55%~74.29%, 13.78%~15.35%, 4.26%~5.74% and 3.04%~4.58% respectively. The samples are attributed to potash granite with K2O / Na2O=1.29~1.89, except for only one with K2O / Na2O=0.93. The contents of Cao, MgO, TFeO and TiO2 of the monzogranite are 1.02%~1.37%, 0.15%~0.47%, 0.76%~1.9% and 0.16%~0.32% respectively, indicating enrichment in elements of Si, Na, K, Al, and depletion in elements of Ca, Fe, Mg, Ti. In addition, the monzogranite show relative enrichment in LREE (Rb, Ba, K and Sr) and depletion in HREE (U, Nb, Ta, P and Ti), with higher content of Th and lower content of Cr and Ni, indicating similar REE and trace elements characteristics with the middle- upper crust. The samples with higher content of Sr and lower content of Y and Yb are supposed to be formed in condition with middle to high pressure. Based on the above, the monzogranite in Huai'an complex should be product of partial melting of thickened lower crust, indicating the continental crust of the northern margin of North China Craton was mature and had already accomplished its cratonization in late Neoarchean.
  • The 60th Anniversary Special Issue(The Study of Precambrian Geology)
    KANG Jian-li, WANG Hui-chu, CHEN Feng, ZENG Le, SUN Yi-wei, XIAO Zhi-bin, TIAN Hui
    North China Geology. 2022, 45(2): 37-50. https://doi.org/10.19948/j.12-1471/P.2022.02.03
    Yunzhongshan lies between Wutai area andLvliang area, which plays an important role in studying tectonic relationshipbetween Wutai complex and Lvliang complex. The metamorphic basement inYunzhongshan is mainly composed of Neoarchaean granitic gneisses and a suit ofmetamorphosed supracrustal rocks which was called“Jiehekou Group”consisting ofquartzite, Bi- leptynite, marble and amphibolite. However, according to fieldinvestigation, there are many differences between these metamorphosedsupracrustal rocks and the typical Jiehekou Group in Lvliang area. Based on therock association in this field investigation, these metamorphosed supracrustalrocks are divided into two parts. Ar3Y (Y represents Yunzhongshan metamorphosedsupracrustal rocks) resided in the Neoarchaean granitic gneisses containsBi-leptynite, quartzite, Hb-leptynite, amphibolite and so on. Chronologicalstudy of the granitic gneisses shows that the forming age of Ar3Y is older than~2.5 Ga; Pt1qz (qz represents quartzite) has a ductile shearing contact withthe Neoarchaean granitic gneisses, part of which is intruded by latePaleoproterozoic intrusions aging of ~1.94 Ga. Pt1qz consists largely ofquartzite, magnetite leptynite, marble and amphibolite. The research ofgeochronology implies the formation age of Pt1qz is 1.94~2.14Ga. Thegeochemistry of the metavolcanics rocks in two suits of metamorphosedsupracrustal rocks respectively suggest that Pt1qz was formed in the backgroundof spreading tectonics with the products of passive continental margin and Ar3Ywas developed in an island arc environment of subduction zone.

  • The 60th Anniversary Special Issue(The Study of Precambrian Geology)
    SU Wen-bo, LI Wen-guo, LI Hui-min, SONG Biao, DI Yong-jun, ZHOU Hong-ying, WANG Hui, WANG Jian, Frank R Ettensohn, Warren D Huff
    North China Geology. 2022, 45(2): 51-67. https://doi.org/10.19948/j.12-1471/P.2022.02.04
    For the first time, the age of aninterbedded tuffite layer and related volcanogenic deposits have been determinedfrom the middle of the Lower Formation of the Shi’nagan Group, near DashetaiTown, Urad Front Banner, Inner Mongolia. Using SHRIMP zircon U-Pb ages for thetuffite layer, Sample NM-1191, the weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb age of 1 614±8 Ma(n=21, 95% conf., MSWD = 0.17) was obtained, which precisely calibrates the timeof the corresponding volcanic eruption event. Hence, on the whole, theShi’nagan Group was probably deposited during the transitional time interval atthe end of the Paleoproterozoic Statherian Period (i.e., the ChangchengianPeriod of China, 1 800~1 600 Ma) to the beginning of the MesoproterozoicCalymmian Period (i.e., the Jixianian Period of China, 1 600~1 400 Ma). Thisnew revision of the chronostratigraphy indicates that,during the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic transition interval, all the three groups (i.e., the Shi’naganGroup, the Zha’ertai Group, as well as the Bayan-Obo Group) in Inner Mongoliawere very likely contemporaneous, heterotopic facies that existed side-by-side.In addition, our dating shows that the Shi’nagan Group can be correlated fairlywell with the Dahongyu and the Gaoyuzhuang formations in the Yanshan (Yanliao)and the Taihang mountains from the northern to the middle parts of the NorthChina Craton (NCC), respectively. Furthermore, this agemeans that the Shi’naganGroup may also be equivalent to the Luoyukou and the Longjiayuan formations onthe south margin of the NCC. Moreover, in combination with regional geologicalinformation, it may be inferred that both the Huangqikou and the Wangquankouformations at the western margin of Ordos Block and the First and Secondformations of the Dunzigou Group in the Longshoushan Mountains at the southmargin of the Alxa (Yinshan) Block, might be coeval with the Shi’nagan Group.Consequently, this kind of widespread correlation may imply that, at leastuntil to the beginning of the Calymmian Period, the Alxa Block was probablyaffiliated with the NCC, which was covered by the vast“Pan-NCC”epicontinentalsea, including the south margin of Alxa Block, the west margin of Ordos Block,the Yanshan (Yanliao)- Taihang basins, as well as the Xiong’er Basin.The agecalibration of the Shi’nagan Group and the related revised stratigraphicframework will provide critical chronological constraints for some majorissues, including the reinterpretation of the depositional and tectono-paleogeographyof the north margin of NCC, the relationship of the NCC to the ColumbiaSupercontinent, and other related issues during the Paleo-Mesoproterozoictransitional interval.

  • The 60th Anniversary Special Issue
    WANG Hong
    North China Geology. 2022, 45(1): 1-17. https://doi.org/10.19948/j.12-1471/P.2022.01.01

    The research on Quaternary geology in Tianjin Center has been experienced two stages divided approximately in the middle of 1980s. The first phase was mainly focused on the Quaternary glacio-stratigraphical study, while the second had being gradually oriented to the coastal geological investigations and study as well. This paper reviews succinctly the profound achievements in the field of fundamental researches, including litho- , bio- and chronostratigrahies and applied geology serving for the coastal ecosocietal development. Then, taking the local marine regressive processes as a case study, this paper re- emphasizes the hypothesis of‘Barrier- island- lagoon cause’for the land formation of Bohai Bay. Based on multi- disciplinary approaches on sea- level change, stratigraphic significance of the existing sea- level indicators, microgeomophology and chronology, we found : (1) The RMSLc (corrected relative mean sea level) belt is to fall into the global ESL (ice-volume equivalent sea level) belt or even slightly higher than the latter after eliminating the local subsidence caused by the groundwater withdrawal. It suggests that the regional isostatic uplift can fully offset the local subsidence given by both neotectonics and self- compaction. As a result, a configuration of the palaeo altitudes of being formed land following marine regression since the last ~7 ka have been basically under the simultaneous tidal water influences and, thus, it provides a precondition for the‘Berrier- island- Lagoon System’of the study area. (2) The muddy mounds, found in the Chenier Plain, are equivalent to the muddy mounds of the Oyster Reef Plain and can be characterized as the‘muddy cheniers’. Both shelly and muddy cheniers altogether form a number of the palaeo barrier- shaped shorelines. Based on our previous study, this paper re-depicts a temporo-spatial distribution of the regional palaeoshorelines under such a new concept of the shelly-muddy cheniers. (3) A coastal wetland, ~30 km wide apart in between the maximum marine transgression boundary and the oldest morphologically- remarkable shoreline (a linkage of the Chenier V and the Muddy Mound Shizhuang- Dongjituo- Mengzhuang), with time span ~7- 4.5 ka, should be attributed to the‘Palaeo Lagoon I’. Afterwards, following periodically formed barrier shorelines, new lagoons may disconsecutively occur behind the each barrier shoreline simultaneously and/or even obviously later (The younger high waters may even farther pour into those previously older lagoons). This cyclicity is thus a basic characteristic of the area and is an essential feature named Canghaisangtian, i.e., seas change into mulberry fields. (4) Although such processes have been greatly impacted by human activities during the past two centuries, facing to the predicted coming rise of sea level this century and potential environmental deterioration (ground subsidence, landward- reversed groundwater table, etc.), this paper forecasts the Barrier- island- Lagoon environment will reappear obviously again in the coming future. Fortunately, the geographical layout of‘Green Coastal Defence Belt’perfectly tallies with the aforementioned cyclicity and the youngest lagoonal area. Nevertheless, it is necessary to re- examine closely this urban plan under the geologic evolution point of view and better to further aggrandize its strategic position in order to meet the mid- and long time scale coastal sustainability.


  • The 60th Anniversary Special Issue(The Study of Precambrian Geology)
    WANG Shi-jin, WAN Yu-sheng
    North China Geology. 2022, 45(2): 18-36. https://doi.org/10.19948/j.12-1471/P.2022.02.02
    Precambrian strata in the Shandong Province include the Neoarchaean Taishan Group Complex and Yishui Group Complex, the Neoproterozoic Tumen Group distributing in the Western Shandong Province, the Neoarchaean Jiaodong Group Complex, the Paleoproterozoic Jingshan Group and Fenzishan Group, the Mesoproterozoic Zhifu Group, the Neoproterozoic Penglai Group in the Eastern Shandong Province, and the Paleoproterozoic metamorphic supracrustal rock assemblage and the Mesoproterozoic Wulian Group in the Jiaonan- Weihai Orogen. The Precambrian intrusive rocks in the Shandong Province are mainly the three phase Neoarchaean intrusive rocks outcropped in the western Shandong Province, starting from mantle-source magma for each phase. The early phase tectono- magmatism resulted in the intrusion of protoliths of the~2 700 Ma tonalitic gneiss, banded tonalitic gneiss. The middle phase tectono-magmatism is dominated by the 2 630~2 600 Ma trondhjemite- tonalite- granodiorite suite. The late phase mantle- sourced magmatism produced the Yishan Series trondhjemite- tonalite- granodiorite suite; the crustal anatexis produced the Aolaishan Series monzonitic granite, leading the formation of a large scale continental crust. There occurred 2 900 Ma (Mesoarchaean) tonalitic gneiss and trondhjemitic gneiss in the eastern Shandong Province, relatively a large scale 2 700 Ma (early Neoarchaean) tonalitic gneiss, banded tonalitic gneiss, 2 500 Ma (late Neoarchaean) trondhjemite-tonalite-granodiorite suite and monzonitic granite, the late Paleoproterozoic monzonitic granite and ultramafic- mafic rocks. In the Su- Lu Orogen of the eastern Shandong Province, there occurred the Neoproterozoic ultramafic-mafic rocks and the tonalitic- granodioritic- monzonite- granitic gneiss. The geoparks characterized by the Archaean geology are mainly distributed in the western Shandong Province, including the geoparks of Mount Tai, Mount Meng, Mount Yi, Mount Lu and the Shuilianxia Canyon in Jinan, Changchengling Range and Longwan Bay in Taian, Mount Niu in Feicheng, Mount Yi in Linqu, Fangganjiulong Canyon in Laiwu, Mount Qingyun in
    Xintai, Mount Longmen in Sishui, Mount Lianqing in Qingzhou, Dianzi in Shanting District of Zaozhuang, Mount Shimen in Wufu, etc. The geoparks marked by the Proterozoic geology in the Shandong Province include the national geoparks of the Changdao island and the Mounts Wulian- Jiuxian, the provincial geoparks of the Mount Jiazi of Lingang in Linyi, Liugong Island in Weihai and Mount Kunyu in Yantai, and the Mount Fulai Geoheritage Protection Area in Ju county.
  • The 60th Anniversary Special Issue(The Study of Precambrian Geology)
    WANG Bin, SONG Ming-chun, ZHOU Jian-bo, DING Zheng-jiang, BAO Zhong-yi, LV Jun-yang, WANG Shan-shan
    North China Geology. 2022, 45(2): 1-17. https://doi.org/10.19948/j.12-1471/P.2022.02.01
    Multi-stage geological tectonic process and multi-geodynamic background lead to the complex tectonic evolution in Shandong Province. Since the Middle Archean, the Shandong area has been characterized by strong magmatic activity, wide distribution of granites, clear evolutionary sequence and diverse formation ages, and is an important geological basis for studying the crustal evolution of the Shandong area. This paper studies the rock assemblage, geological characteristics, geochemical characteristics, genesis, material sources and tectonic setting of the Neoarchean, Neoproterozoic, Triassic and Cretaceous potassic granites in Shandong area. These granites are all A- type granites, which occurred at the end of each crustal movement stage, and are the key markers of crustal evolution and tectonic transition in Shandong area and North China Craton. Among them, the Neoarchean Sihaishan granitoid in Linyi is A2- type granite, which belong to the post- orogenic extensional environment granitoids of Archean microcontinent continental or arc-continent collision. Lanshantou granitic gneiss is A2-type granites in early stage and A1- type granites in late stage, which is a Neoproterozoic non- orogenic extensional granitic gneiss associated with the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. The Shidao granitoid in Weihai is A2-type granitoid in the post-orogenic extensional environment of the continental collision between the Yangtze plate and the North China Plate in the Triassic. The Cretaceous Laoshan granitoid in Qingdao and Dadian quartz syenite in Rizhao are composed of early A2- type and late A1- type granites, which are granites in non- orogenic extensional environment and are important markers after the peak stage of craton destruction.
  • The 60th Anniversary Special Issue
    WANG Hui-chu, ZHANG Jia-hui, REN Yun-wei, SHI Jian-rong, XIANG Zhen-qun, CHANG Qing-song, WANG Zhi
    North China Geology. 2022, 45(1): 18-41. https://doi.org/10.19948/j.12-1471/P.2022.01.02
    The granulite belt in the north-central North China Craton is considered to be a Paleoproterozoic orogenic belt. The high-pressure granulite and ultra-high temperature metamorphic rocks in the adjacent areas of Shanxi, Hebei and Inner Mongolia have attracted the attention of Early Precambrian geologists around the world. Based on the regional geological survey data, this paper redefines the tectonic unit in the north central part of the North China Craton, which is divided into Yinshan Neoarchean magmatic arc (Yinshan block), Daqingshan-Wulashan Paleoproterozoic reworking complex belt (Pt1), Liangcheng deep melt granite belt (Pt1), Tianzhen-Huai'an reworking complex belt (Pt1) and Wutai Neoarchean island-arc belt from north to south. The stratigraphic system and main tectonic thermal events in the three tectonic units of the Paleoproterozoic orogen are redefined. It is considered that the Daqingshan-Wulashan Paleoproterozoic and Tianzhen-Huai'an reworking complex belt are comparable in material composition and records of tectonic thermal events. Through geological mapping, the anatexis granite was formed in three stages and divided into six kinds of rock types, and Opx-bearing granodiorite (quartz-diorite) without garnet is found, which is characterized by calc alkaline series I-type granite. Based on borehole data and aeromagnetic characteristics, the structural properties of metamorphic basement of Ordos Basin are discussed. It is considered that the tectonic line of the Paleoproterozoic orogenic belt cuts the basement of the Ordos Basin, and the Ordos basement is not an Archean block. Based on the comprehensive analysis of Paleoproterozoic metamorphism, magmatism and tectonic deformation, it is considered that the Paleoproterozoic orogenic belt has experienced the complex evolution process of continental breakup, subduction collision, plate delamination, mantle upwelling, compression orogeny and post orogenic extension and uplift, which reflects the particularity of Early hot-plate tectonics.
  • The 60th Anniversary Special Issue
    JIN Ruo-shi, TENG Xue-ming
    North China Geology. 2022, 45(1): 42-57. https://doi.org/10.19948/j.12-1471/P.2022.01.03
    In recent years, depending on a series of investigation and evaluation projects and scientific research projects carried out by the Uranium Research Group of Tianjin Center, China Geological Survey, lots of new insights on large-scale sandstone-type uranium mineralization have been achieved. The widely coupled distributed "red black rock series" in northern China provide a prerequisite background for the formation of large-scale sandstone-type uranium deposits. Usually, the ore bodies are mostly carried in fluvial facies, delta facies and lakeside gray sand bodies that situated at the transition zone of the red and black horizons. The sandstone-type uranium mineralization is overall controlled by the tectono-sedimentary evolution of the basin. The periodically vertical tectonic movements not only control the spatial horizontal distribution of red-black strata, but also provide a favorable slope area for uranium mineralization. The water fluctuations caused by tectonic movements is the real driving force to the migration of the oxygen-uranium bearing fluid. This paper also summarized the theoretical system of sandstone-uranium mineralization in Meso-Cenozoic continental basins in northern China from the perspectives of regional tectonic movement, metallogenic background, mineralization, uranium metallogenic mechanism and comprehensive prospecting prediction, which could provide important reference for further scientific theoretical research and prospecting and exploration.
  • The 60th Anniversary Special Issue
    MA Zhen, HUANG Qing-bin, LIN Liang-jun, ZHANG Xi, HAN Bo, XIA Yu-bo, GUO Xu
    North China Geology. 2022, 45(1): 58-68. https://doi.org/10.19948/j.12-1471/P.2022.01.04
    Urban geological work is an important basis for urban planning and construction and runs through the whole process of urban operation and management. As a pilot city for multi-factor urban geological survey, China Geological Survey has carried out a large number of comprehensive geological surveys in accordance with the general requirements of “global perspective, international standards, Chinese characteristics, and positioning at a high point”, and built a demonstration base for urban geological surveys with multi-factor of “space, resources, environment, and disasters”, providing continuous and effective services for the planning and development of the Xiongan New Area. In this paper, the general thought, main achievements and application effect of Xiongan urban geological work are comprehensively summarized, which provides a demonstration and reference for other areas and cities to carry out multi-factor urban geological survey.
  • The 60th Anniversary Special Issue
    TIAN Hui, LI Huai-kun
    North China Geology. 2022, 45(1): 69-78. https://doi.org/10.19948/j.12-1471/P.2022.01.05
    The Mesoproterozoic strata of the Yangtze Craton are mainly distributed in the northern and western margins. With the identification of volcanic intercalations (especially bentonite tuffs that were difficult to identify in the past) in sedimentary strata and the development of dating techniques, a lot of age data have been reported and the subdivision and time framework of the Mesoproterozoic sequence in the Yangtze Craton has been revised. Plenty of new lines of evidence demonstrates that the Fanjingshan Group, Sibao Group, etc., distributing along the Jiangnan Orogenic belt, that were originally attributed to the Mesoproterozoic are actually Neoproterozoic strata. The Huodiya Group, Sanhuashi Group in the northern margin of the Yangtze Craton are changed into Neoproterozoic from Mesoproterozoic. Dahongshan Group and Julin Group in the western margin of the Yangtze Craton are classified into the early and late Mesoproterozoic respactively. The Dahongshan Group, Hekou Group and the lower part of Dongchuan Group in the western margin are comparable with each other. Kunyang Group, Huili Group and the Julin Group can be correlated with the upper subgroup of the Shennongjia Group and the Macaoyuan Group in the northern margin. There are still disputes about the the depositional age (Mesoproterozoic or Neoproterozoic) of the Dengxiangying Group and the Ebian Group in the western margin of the Yangtze block.
  • The 60th Anniversary Special Issue
    LI Jun-jian, DANG Zhi-cai, PENG Yi, ZHANG Tong, SONG Li-jun, NI Zhen-ping, Guo Guo-hai
    North China Geology. 2022, 45(1): 79-91. https://doi.org/10.19948/j.12-1471/P.2022.01.06
    North China is located at the intersection of the three major tectonic systems of Paleoasian, Tethys and circum Pacific. It has a long history of geological evolution, frequent magmatic activities, superior metallogenic geological conditions and rich mineral resources. 1085 iron deposits have been discovered in Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Shanxi Province, midwestern Inner Mongolia,Beijing and Tianjin, forming Jidong, Baotou, Laiwu, Wutai-Lanxian ,Xuchang-Wuyang, Handan-Xingtai and other important state-level iron ore resource bases. There are nine types of iron deposits, i.e., metamorphic type (sedimentary metamorphism type) , magmatic type, contact metasomatism type (skarn type) , marine volcanic type, continental volcanic type, magmatic hydrothermal type, chemical sedimentary type, mechanical sedimentary type and meso-low temperature hydrothermal type.The main types are metamorphic type, marine volcanic type, magmatic type and contact metasomatism type.The formation age of iron deposits in north China is from Archean to Mesozoic, in which the lean iron deposits are mainly Archaean and Proterozoic, and the rich iron deposits are mainly Mesozoic.The iron deposits in north China are divided into 11 metallogenic series related to Metamorphism, magmatism, sedimentation and unidentified fluid processes.Based on the classification of metallogenic series, the metallogenic spectrum of iron deposits is established.On the basis of the evaluation of mineral resources potential, 76 important iron prospecting areas can be divided in North China, which shows good prospecting potential. Especially, the contact metasomatic rich iron ore belt delineated in Laiwu-Yucheng, Handan-Xingtai, Anyang-Linzhou and Gujiao-Pingshun area will be the best area for rich iron ore prospecting in north China.