Archaean multi-stage magmatic underplating drove formation of continental nuclei in the North China Craton

Jin Liu, Richard M. Palin (), Ross N. Mitchell, Zhenghong Liu, Jian Zhang, Zhongshui Li, Changquan Cheng and Hongxiang Zhang
Additional contact information
Jin Liu: Jilin University
Richard M. Palin: University of Oxford
Ross N. Mitchell: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Zhenghong Liu: Jilin University
Jian Zhang: The University of Hong Kong
Zhongshui Li: Changchun Institute of Technology
Changquan Cheng: Sun Yat-sen University
Hongxiang Zhang: Jilin University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract The geodynamic processes that formed Earth’s earliest continents are intensely debated. Particularly, the transformation from ancient crustal nuclei into mature Archaean cratons is unclear, primarily owing to the paucity of well-preserved Eoarchaean–Palaeoarchaean ‘protocrust’. Here, we report a newly identified Palaeoarchaean continental fragment—the Baishanhu nucleus—in northeastern North China Craton. U–Pb geochronology shows that this nucleus preserves five major magmatic events during 3.6–2.5 Ga. Geochemistry and zircon Lu–Hf isotopes reveal ancient 4.2–3.8 Ga mantle extraction ages, as well as later intraplate crustal reworking. Crustal architecture and zircon Hf–O isotopes indicate that proto-North China first formed in a stagnant/squishy lid geodynamic regime characterised by plume-related magmatic underplating. Such cratonic growth and maturation were prerequisites for the emergence of plate tectonics. Finally, these data suggest that North China was part of the Sclavia supercraton and that the Archaean onset of subduction occurred asynchronously worldwide.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50435-5

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