Precambrian Crustal Evolution of China integrates the theory of plate tectonics, structural geology and petrology to identify the tectonic and metamorphic environment in different stages of development of the Archaean and Proterozoic crust. Further, the evolution of the Precambrian atmosphere and hydrosphere is approached by using geochemical data and traces of life. For the first time, the results of the study of the Precambrian geology of China are made available in English to scientists and students not having access to the huge amount of Chinese literature.

This book is the first contribution to the overview of Precambrian geology of China. It covers Precambrian geology of the North China Craton, the South China Craton and the Tarim Craton, as well as other smaller blocks in the Chinese orogenic belts. It provides systematic concepts of the Chinese paleo-continents and incorporates the most up-to-date achievements. Edited by many of the active researchers working at the forefront of the related fields, it contributes greatly to the international Precambrian geology community and would be of interest to geoscientists working in the research field of geology of China and Precambrian geodynamics.

Precambrian Crustal Evolution of China integrates the theory of plate tectonics, structural geology and petrology to identify the tectonic and metamorphic environment in different stages of development of the Archaean and Proterozoic crust. Further, the evolution of the Precambrian atmosphere and hydrosphere is approached by using geochemical data and traces of life. For the first time, the results of the study of the Precambrian geology of China are made available in English to scientists and students not having access to the huge amount of Chinese literature.

Early Continent Evolution of the North China Craton discusses the tectono-thermal regimes of the early continental crust in the North China Craton (NCC) from the Hadean to the early Paleoproterozoic, reconstructing the evolutional framework, and facilitating comprehensive understanding of the early continent evolution of the NCC. The book systematically summarizes the Neoarchean metamorphism of the NCC and discusses the implications for the tectonic models of the NCC, through compiling evolutional information of the Hadean to the early Paleoproterozoic sequences in the NCC. This allows for comprehensive summarizations and discussions on the tectonic framework of the NCC during this critical period. Researchers, academics and students in geology (especially Precambrian Geology), geomorphology, geophysics and geological engineering will benefit from using this book in applying tectonic models to other cratonic blocks globally, and will understand evolutional information of the largest and oldest cratonic block in China. Completely covers all key issues and research frontiers of the early continental evolution of the North China Craton (NCC), from the Hadean to the early Paleoproterozoic Systematically summarizes the Neoarchaean metamorphism of the NCC and discusses the implications for tectonic models Includes discussion on controversial views on tectonic regimes of the NCC during the Archean to early Paleoproterozoic, with objective conclusions

The continental crust is our archive of Earth history, and the store of many natural resources; however, many key questions about its formation and evolution remain debated and unresolved: What processed are involved in the formation, differentiation and evolution of continental crust, and how have these changed throughout Earth history?How are plate tectonics, the supercontinent cycle and mantle cooling linked with crustal evolution?What are the rates of generation and destruction of the continental crust through time?How representative is the preserved geological record? A range of approaches are used to address these questions, including field-based studies, petrology and geochemistry, geophysical methods, palaeomagnetism, whole-rock and accessory-phase isotope chemistry and geochronology. Case studies range from the Eoarchaean to Phanerozoic, and cover many different cratons and orogenic belts from across the continents.

Extensive descriptions of a wide range of key or world-class mineral deposits of China are presented in the context of the country’s general geology, tectonic units and mineral systems and their geodynamic evolution within the tectonic framework of the Asian continent. This comprehensive overview, incorporating the latest geological concepts, is the first such coverage written in English by a western expert, and will be of benefit to mineral explorers and miners, as well as to research scientists and students in institutions of higher education. In his compilation of this compendium of Chinese geology and mineral systems, Franco Pirajno draws on first-hand knowledge of China’s geology and mineral deposits gained in numerous field visits and research projects with Chinese colleagues from various academic institutions over the past 18 years. First time that a western-based book on China’s geology and mineral deposits is published Appropriate for use by the mineral exploration industry Modern English-language geological and mineral deposits information on China Most useful to Western (and Chinese) geoscientists