Multisphere Tectonics of the Earth System

Abstract

The fundamental theoretical framework of the Multisphere Tectonics of the Earth System is as follows: (1) It intends to extend the geotectonic studies from the crustal and lithospheric tectonics to the multisphere tectonics of the Earth system as a whole. (2) The global dynamics driven by both the Earth system and the cosmic celestial system: solar energy, multispheric interactions of the Earth system and the combined effects of the motions of celestial bodies in the cosmos system are the driving forces of various geological processes. (3) The Continent‐Ocean transformation theory: the continent and ocean are two opposite yet unified geological units, which can be transformed into each other; neither continent nor ocean will survive forever; there is no one‐way development of continental accretion or ocean extinction; the simple theory of one‐way continental accretion is regarded as invalid. (4) The continental crust and mantle are characterized by multiple layers, with different layers liable to slide along the interfaces between them, but corroboration is needed that continents move as a whole or even drift freely. (5) The cyclic evolution theory: the development of Earth's tectonics is not a uniform change, but a spiral forward evolution, characterized by a combination of non‐uniform, non‐linear, gradual and catastrophic changes; different evolutionary stages (tectonic cycles) of Earth have distinctive global tectonic patterns and characteristics, one tectonic model should not be applied to different tectonic cycles or evolutionary stages. (6) The structure and evolution of Earth are asymmetric and heterogeneous, thus one tectonic model cannot be applied to different areas of the world. (7) The polycyclic evolution of the continental crust: the continental crust is formed by polycyclic tectonics and magmatism, rather than simply lateral or vertical accretion. (8) The role of deep faults: the deep fault zones cutting through different layers of the crust and mantle usually play important roles in tectonic evolution. For example, the present‐day mid‐ocean ridge fault zones, transform fault zones and Benioff zones outline the global tectonic framework. Different tectonic cycles and stages of Earth's evolution must have their own distinctive deep fault systems which control the global tectonic framework and evolutionary processes during different tectonic cycles and stages. Starting from the two mantle superplumes Jason (Pacific) and Tuzo (Africa), the study of the evolutionary process of the composition and structure of the crust and mantle during the great transformation and reorganization of the Meso‐Cenozoic tectonic framework in China and the other regions of Asia is a good demonstration of theory of Multisphere Tectonics of the Earth System.

Records of Nanhua island arc activity between the north and south Wuyi terranes in the Cathaysia Block

“…It is generally believed that there developed five periods of different scale pre‐Devonian tectono‐thermal events in the South China Block, from 1900–1800 Ma, 1000–900 Ma, 850–780 Ma, 650–500 Ma to 440–420 Ma, respectively. The interpretations of these tectono‐thermal events have long been controversial (Faure et al, 2018; Grabau, 1924; Guo et al, 1963, 1965; Huang, 1945; Lin, Xing, Davis, Wu, et al, 2018; Lin, Xing, Davis, Yin, et al, 2018; Ma et al, 1961; Ren, 1964; Shu et al, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2021; Shu, Deng, et al, 2008; Shu, Faure, et al, 2008; Shui, 1988). The Cathaysia Block was proposed to show clearly intracontinental orogenesis since the Neoproterozoic for a long time (e.g., Faure et al, 2018; Ren & Li, 2016; Shu et al, 2018, 2020, 2021; Zhang et al, 2013).…”

“…The interpretations of these tectono‐thermal events have long been controversial (Faure et al, 2018; Grabau, 1924; Guo et al, 1963, 1965; Huang, 1945; Lin, Xing, Davis, Wu, et al, 2018; Lin, Xing, Davis, Yin, et al, 2018; Ma et al, 1961; Ren, 1964; Shu et al, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2021; Shu, Deng, et al, 2008; Shu, Faure, et al, 2008; Shui, 1988). The Cathaysia Block was proposed to show clearly intracontinental orogenesis since the Neoproterozoic for a long time (e.g., Faure et al, 2018; Ren & Li, 2016; Shu et al, 2018, 2020, 2021; Zhang et al, 2013). However, new research and new data argue that a multi‐terrane accretion‐collision model can readily explain the five tectono‐thermal events and better understanding for the assembly of the Cathaysia Block (e.g., Lin, Xing, Davis, Wu, et al, 2018; Lin, Xing, Davis, Yin, et al, 2018; Liu et al, 2021).…”

“…It is generally accepted that the South China Block formed as a result of the collision between the Cathaysia Block and the Yangtze Block during the Jingningian period at about 970–820 Ma (e.g., Li et al, 2013a, 2013b; Li, Lin, et al, 2016; Li, Shi, et al, 2016; Li et al, 2018; Ren & Li, 2016; Shu, 2006; Shu et al, 2019, 2020, 2021; Yin et al, 2013; Zhao et al, 2011; many references therein). Since 820 Ma, the South China Block underwent rifting due to mantle magma upwelling (Li, Li, Ge, et al, 2003; Li, Li, Kinny, et al, 2003), resulting in the separation of three groups of terranes: the Wuyi terranes, Nanling terranes and Yunkai terranes, which moved away from the Cathaysia Block (Figure 1; Shu et al, 2020; Pan et al, 2016).…”

Late Mesozoic Exhumation of the Huangling Massif: Constraints on the Evolution of the Middle Yangtze River

“…The geomorphic evolution of a region is a direct expression of the Earth's deep dynamic action on the surface and is highly significant for understanding the relationship between tectonic deformation and surface erosion (Jolivet et al, 2010;Dong et al, 2015;Liu et al, 2015a;Ren et al, 2022;Zhu et al, 2022). The Huangling Massif in northern South China is a crucial geomorphological barrier for the Yangtze River flowing into the East China Sea (Fig.…”

Chronological and geochemical characteristics of metavolcanic rocks in the Nanping‐Ninghua tectonic belt: Constraints on the formation of the Cathaysia block

“…Previous studies suggested that the Cathaysia Block had a metamorphic basement dominated by Palaeoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic crust (Gan & Zhuang, 1993; Qin et al, 2006; Shui, 1987; Wang et al, 1992; Yu et al, 2006; Zhao, 1999). Recent studies indicate that the Palaeoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic metamorphic basement is Neoproterozoic and Cambrian in age, and geochemical evidence suggests that the Cathaysia block may be a Caledonian orogenic belt (Charvet et al, 2010; Li et al, 2010; Ren & Li, 2016; Sun, 1954; Shu et al, 2014; Xu et al, 1987; Zhao et al, 2019, 2021). Other researchers theorize that the Cathaysia Block was composed of multiple terranes, with the development of multi‐island ocean systems between these terranes from the Neoproterozoic to the early Paleozoic (Chen and Xiao, 1998; Dong et al, 2016; Ge et al, 2019; He et al, 2014; Jiang et al, 2018; Jiang et al, 2020; Lin et al, 2018; Ma, 2006; Peng et al, 2016a, 2016b; Yin et al, 1999; Zhang et al, 2015, 2018).…”