Metamorphic Evolution and Zircon U-Pb Ages of the Nanshankou Mafic High Pressure Granulites from the Jiaobei Terrane, North China Craton

Abstract

Petrological analysis and LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating were conducted on high-pressure mafic granulites, which occured as xenolith within TTG gneisses, from the Nanshankou Village of the Jiaobei terrane, Shandong Peninsula in the north-eastern part of the North China Craton (NCC). The mafic HP granulite is composed of garnet, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, amphibole and symplectitic clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, plagioclase, ilmente and magnetite which were formed after the decomposition of porphyroblastic garnet and clinopyroxene. Four stages of metamorphic mineral assemblages for the mafic HP granulites were constrained by detail petrological and mineralogical investigations. The early prograde assemblage is represented by the mineral inclusions within garnet and clinopyroxene porphyroblasts (Opx₁+Pl₁+Qtz₁), recording the metamorphic conditions at ~754–757 °C, 0.63–0.71 GPa; peak metamorphic conditions were determined at ~874–891 °C, 1.32–1.35 GPa with the mineral assemblage of Grt₂+Cpx₂+Amp₂+Pl₂+Qtz₂. Retrograde minerals derived from symplectitic assemblage Opx₃+Cpx₃+Amp₃+Pl₃+Qtz₃+Ilm₃±Mag₃ were formed at 693–796 °C, 0.60–0.84 GPa. A final greenschist to sub-greenschist facies event was recorded by the exsolution of actinolite and albite within a retrograded clinopyroxene, as well as the occurrence of prehnite, chlorite and calcite minerals. Accordingly, a clockwise P-T path was concluded on the basis of the different stages of mineral asseblage. Cathodoluminescence imaging, trace element and U-Pb dating of zircons from the mafic HP granulites recorded similar charactistics for three episodes of Paleo–Meso Proterozoic metamorphic events. These are the metamorphic events preserved in mafic and pelitic granulites in the Jiao-Liao-Ji belt (JLJB) with ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of 2.0‒1.9 Ga for peak metamorphism and of 1.86‒1.84 Ga for decomposing process, followed by a retrograde amphibolite facies metamorphic event related to the post-orogenic extension at the age of 1.76‒1.74 Ga, resulting the exhumation of the granulite to the upper crust level.

Keywords

metamorphism / zircon U-Pb age / mafic HP granulite / Jiaobei terrane / North China Craton

References

Andersen T. Correction of Common Lead in U-Pb Analyses that do not Report 204Pb. Chemical Geology, 2002, 192(1/2): 59-79.

Belousova E. A., Griffin W. L., OʼReilly S. Y., . Apatite as an Indicator Mineral for Mineral Exploration: Trace-Element Compositions and Their Relationship to Host Rock Type. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 2002, 76(1): 45-69.

Berman R. G. Internally-Consistent Thermodynamic Data for Minerals in the System Na₂O-K₂O-CaO-MgO-FeO-Fe₂O₃-Al₂O₃-SiO₂-TiO₂-H₂O-CO₂. Journal of Petrology, 1988, 29(2): 445-522.

Brown M. From Microscope to Mountain Belt: 1.0 Years of Petrology and Its Contribution to Understanding Geodynamics, Particularly the Tectonics of Orogens. Journal of Geodynamics, 2001, 32(1/2): 115-164.

Brown M. Duality of Thermal Regimes is the Distinctive Characteristic of Plate Tectonics since the Neoarchean. Geology, 2006, 34(11): 961-964.

Cai J., Liu F. L., Liu P. H., . Silica-Undersaturated Spinel Granulites in the Daqingshan Complex of the Khondalite Belt, North China Craton: Petrology and Quantitative P-T-X Constraints. Precambrian Research, 2015, 266: 119-136.

Cai J., Liu P. H., Ji L., . Zircon Geochronology of Paleoproterozoic High Grade Supercrustal Rocks from the Huai’an Terrane, Northernwestern Hebei. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2017, 33(9): 2811-2826.

Chen S., Li X. P., Duan W. Y., . Petrological and Geochronological Study of Amphibolite from Jiaobei Terrane. Earth Science, 2018, 43(3): 716-732.

Chu H., Lu S. N., Wang H. C., . U-Pb Age Spectrum of Detrital Zircons from the Fuzikuang Formation, Penglai Group in Shandong Province. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2011, 27(4): 1017-1028.

Dixon T. H., Batiza R. Petrology and Chemistry of Recent Lavas in the Northern Marianas: Implications for the Origin of Island Arc Basalts. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 1979, 70(2): 167-181.

Eckert J. O. Jr., Newton R. C., Kleppa O. J. The ΔH of Reaction and Recalibration of Garnet-Pyroxene-Plagioclase-Quartz Geobarometers in the CMAS System by Solution Calorimetry. American Mineralogist, 1991, 76: 148-160.

Faure M., Lin W., Monié P., . Exhumation Tectonics of the Ultrahigh-Pressure Metamorphic Rocks in the Qinling Orogen in East China: New Petrological-Structural-Radiometric Insights from the Shandong Peninsula. Tectonics, 2003, 22(3): 1018-1040.

Faure M., Lin W., Monié P., . Palaeoproterozoic Arc Magmatism and Collision in Liaodong Peninsula (North-East China). Terra Nova, 2004, 16(2): 75-80.

Guo J. H., OʼBrien P. J., Zhai M. G. High-Pressure Granulites in the Sanggan Area, North China Craton: Metamorphic Evolution, P-T Paths and Geotectonic Significance. Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 2002, 20(8): 741-756.

Guo X. Z., Takasu A., Liu Y. J., . Zn-Rich Spinel in Association with Quartz in the Al-Rich Metapelites from the Mashan Khondalite Series, NE China. Journal of Earth Science, 2014, 25(2): 207-223.

Hoskin P. W. O., Schaltegger U. The Composition of Zircon and Igneous and Metamorphic Petrogenesis. In: Hanchar, J. M., Hoskin, P. W. O., eds., Zircon. Rev. Mineral. Geochem., 2003, 53: 27-62.

Jahn B. M., Liu D. Y., Wan Y. S., . Archean Crustal Evolution of the Jiaodong Peninsula, China, as Revealed by Zircon SHRIMP Geochronology, Elemental and Nd-Isotope Geochemistry. American Journal of Science, 2008, 308(3): 232-269.

Jiang N., Guo J. H., Fan W. B., . Archean TTGs and Sanukitoids from the Jiaobei Terrain, North China Craton: Insights into Crustal Growth and Mantle Metasomatism. Precambrian Research, 2016, 281: 656-672.

Johannes W., Schreyer W. Experimental Introduction of CO2 and H2O into Mg-Cordierite. American Journal of Science, 1981, 281(3): 299-317.

Kong F. M., Liu Y., Li X.-P., . Mineralogical and Petrogeochemical Characteristics of Ultramafic Rocks from the Metamorphic Basement of the Jiaobei Terrane. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2015, 31(6): 1549-1563.

Kröner A., Wilde S. A., Li J. H., . Age and Evolution of a Late Archean to Paleoproterozoic Upper to Lower Crustal Section in the Wutaishan/Hengshan/Fuping Terrain of Northern China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2005, 24(5): 577-595.

Kröner A., Wilde S. A., OʼBrien P. J., . Feild Relationships, Geochemistry, Zircon Ages and Evolution of a Late Archean to Paleoproterozoic Lower Crustal Section in the Hengshan Terrain of Northern China. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2005, 79: 605-629.

Kröner A., Wilde S. A., Zhao G. C., . Zircon Geochronology and Metamorphic Evolution of Mafic Dykes in the Hengshan Complex of Northern China: Evidence for Late Palaeoproterozoic Extension and Subsequent High-Pressure Metamorphism in the North China Craton. Precambrian Research, 2006, 146(1/2): 45-67.

Kusky T. M., Li J. H. Paleoproterozoic Tectonic Evolution of the North China Craton. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2003, 22(4): 383-397.

Kusky T. M., Windley B. F., Zhai M. G. Tectonic Evolution of the North China Block, from Orogen to Craton to Orogen. In: Zhai, M. G., Windley, B. F., Kusky, T. M., et al., eds., Mesozoic Sub-Continental Lithospheric Thinning under Eastern Asia. Geological Society London Special Publication, 2007, 280: 1-34.

Kusky T. M., Polat A., Windley B. F., . Insights into the Tectonic Evolution of the North China Craton through Comparative Tectonic Analysis: A Record of Outward Growth of Precambrian Continents. Earth-Science Reviews, 2016, 162: 387-432.

Lal R. K. Internally Consistent Recalibrations of Mineral Equilibria for Geothermobarometry Involving Garnet-Orthopyroxene-Plagioclase-Quartz Assemblages and Their Application to the South Indian Granulites. Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 1993, 11(6): 855-866.

Lan T. G., Fan H. R., Santosh M., . U-Pb Zircon Chronology, Geochemistry and Isotopes of the Changyi Banded Iron Formation in the Eastern Shandong Province: Constraints on BIF Genesis and Implications for Paleoproterozoic Tectonic Evolution of the North China Craton. Ore Geology Reviews, 2014, 56: 472-486.

Lan T. G., Fan H. R., Yang K. F., . Geochronology, Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Alkali-Feldspar Granite and Albite Granite Association from the Changyi Area of Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt: Implications for Paleoproterozoic Rifting of Eastern North China Craton. Precambrian Research, 2015, 266: 86-107.

Li S. Z., Han Z. Z., Liu Y. J., . Geological and Geochemical Constraints on Paleoproterozoic Pre-Orogenic Deep Processes in the Jiao-Liao Block. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2001, 36: 184-194.

Li S. Z., Hao D. F., Zhao G. C., . Geochemical Features and Origin of Dandong Granite. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2004, 20: 1417-1423.

Li S. Z., Zhao G. C., Sun M., . Are the South and North Liaohe Groups of North China Craton Different Exotic Terranes? Nd Isotope Constraints. Gondwana Research, 2006, 9(1/2): 198-208.

Li S. Z., Zhao G. C. SHRIMP U-Pb Zircon Geochronology of the Liaoji Granitoids: Constraints on the Evolution of the Paleoproterozoic Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt in the Eastern Block of the North China Craton. Precambrian Research, 2007, 158(1/2): 1-16.

Li S. Z., Zhao G. C., Santosh M., . Palaeoproterozoic Tectonothermal Evolution and Deep Crustal Processes in the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt, North China Craton: A Review. Geological Journal, 2011, 46(6): 525-543.

Li S. Z., Zhao G. C., Santosh M., . Paleoproterozoic Structural Evolution of the Southern Segment of the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt, North China Craton. Precambrian Research, 2012, 200–203: 59-73.

Li X. H., Chen F. K., Guo J. H., . South China Provenance of the Lower-Grade Penglai Group North of the Sulu UHP Orogenic Belt, Eastern China: Evidence from Detrital Zircon Ages and Nd-Hf Isotopic Composition. Geochemical Journal, 2007, 41(1): 29-45.

Li X.-P., Yang Z. Y., Zhao G. C., . Geochronology of Khondalite-Series Rocks of the Jining Complex: Confirmation of Depositional Age and Tectonometamorphic Evolution of the North China Craton. International Geology Review, 2011, 53(10): 1194-1211.

Li X.-P., Liu Y., Guo J. H., . Petrogeochemical Characteristics of the Paleoproterozoic High-Pressure Mafic Granulite and Calc-Silicate from the Nanshankou of the Jiaobei Terrane. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2013, 29(7): 2340-2352.

Li Y. G., Zhai M. G., Liu W. J., . Sm-Nd Geochronology of the High-Pressure Basic Granulite, in Laixi, Eastern Shandong. Scientia Geologica Sinica, 1997, 32(3): 283-290.

Li Z., Chen B. Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Paleoproterozoic Meta-Basalts from the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt, North China Craton: Implications for Petrogenesis and Tectonic Setting. Precambrian Research, 2014, 255: 653-667.

Liu F. L., Liu P. H., Wang F., . U-Pb Dating of Zircons from Granitic Leucosomes in Migmatites of the Jiaobei Terrane, Southwestern Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt, North China Craton: Constraints on the Timing and Nature of Partial Melting. Precambrian Research, 2014, 245: 80-99.

Liu F. L., Liu P. H., Wang F., . Progresses and Overviews of Voluminous Meta-Sedimentary Series within the Paleoproterozoic Jiao-Liao-Ji Orogenic/Mobile Belt, North China Craton. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2015, 31(10): 2816-2846.

Liu J. H., Liu F. L., Ding Z. J., . The Growth, Reworking and Metamorphism of Early Precambrian Crust in the Jiaobei Terrane, the North China Craton: Constraints from U-Th-Pb and Lu-Hf Isotopic Systematics, and REE Concentrations of Zircon from Archean Granitoid Gneisses. Precambrian Research, 2013, 224: 287-303.

Liu P. H., Liu F. L., Liu C. H., . Petrogenesis, P-T-t Path, and Tectonic Significance of High-Pressure Mafic Granulites from the Jiaobei Terrane, North China Craton. Precambrian Research, 2013, 233: 237-258.

Liu P. H., Liu F. L., Wang F., . Preliminary Study of Petrology and Pb Zircon Dating of the Nanshankou Garnet-Bearing Pyroxenolites from the Jiaobei Terrane, the Southeastern Segment of the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt in the North China Cration. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2014, 30(10): 2951-2972.

Liu Q. S., Wang H. C., Zheng J. P., . Petromagnetic Properties of Granulite-Facies Rocks from the North China Craton: Implications for Magnetic and Evolution of the Continental Lower Crust. Journal of Earth Science, 2013, 24(1): 12-28.

Liu S. J., Jahn B. M., Wan Y. S., . Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic High-Pressure Mafic Granulite from the Jiaodong Terrain, North China Craton: Petrology, Zircon Age Determination and Geological Implications. Gondwana Research, 2015, 28(2): 493-508.

Liu W. J., Zhai M. G., Li Y. G. Metamorphism of the High-Pressure Basic Granulite in Laixi, Eastern Shandong, China. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 1998, 14(4): 449-459.

Liu S. W., Zhao G. C., Wilde S. A., . Th-U-Pb Monazite Geochronology of the Lüliang and Wutai Complexes: Constraints on the Tectonothermal Evolution of the Trans-North China Orogen. Precambrian Research, 2006, 148(3/4): 205-224.

Liu S. W., Zhang J., Li Q. G., . Geochemistry and U-Pb Zircon Ages of Metamorphic Volcanic Rocks of the Paleoproterozoic Lüliang Complex and Constraints on the Evolution of the Trans-North China Orogen, North China Craton. Precambrian Research, 2012, 222/223: 173-190.

Liu S. W., Li J. H., Pan Y., . An Archean Continental Block in the Taihangshan and Hengshan Regions: Constraints from Geochronology and Geochemistry. Progress in Natural Science: Materials International, 2002, 12(8): 568-576.

Lu X. P., Wu F. Y., Guo J. H., . Zircon U-Pb Geochronological Constraints on the Paleoproterozoic Crustal Evolution of the Eastern Block in the North China Craton. Precambrian Research, 2006, 146(3/4): 138-164.

Ludwig K. R. Users Manual for Isoplot 3, a Geochronological Toolkit for Microsoft Excel. Berkeley Geochronology Center, Special Publication, 2003, 4 25.

Luo Y., Sun M., Zhao G. C., . LA-ICP-MS U-Pb Zircon Ages of the Liaohe Group in the Eastern Block of the North China Craton: Constraints on the Evolution of the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt. Precambrian Research, 2004, 134(3/4): 349-371.

Luo Y., Sun M., Zhao G. C., . A Comparison of U-Pb and Hf Isotopic Compositions of Detrital Zircons from the North and South Liaohe Groups: Constraints on the Evolution of the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt, North China Craton. Precambrian Research, 2008, 163(3/4): 279-306.

McDonough W. F., Sun S. S. The Composition of the Earth. Chemical Geology, 1995, 120(3/4): 223-253.

Meng E., Liu F. L., Liu P. H., . Petrogenesis and Tectonic Significance of Paleoproterozoic Meta-Mafic Rocks from Central Liaodong Peninsula, Northeast China: Evidence from Zircon U-Pb Dating and in Situ Lu-Hf Isotopes, and Whole-Rock Geochemistry. Precambrian Research, 2014, 247: 92-109.

OʼBrien P. J., Rötzler J. High-Pressure Granulites: Formation, Recovery of Peak Conditions and Implications for Tectonics. Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 2003, 21(1): 3-20.

Peng T. P., Fan W. M., Peng B. X. Geochronology and Geochemistry of Late Archean Adakitic Plutons from the Taishan Granite-Greenstone Terrain: Implications for Tectonic Evolution of the Eastern North China Craton, 2012, 208–211: 53-71.

Ravna E. K. The Garnet—Clinopyroxene Geothermometer—An Updated Calibration. Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 2000, 18: 211-219.

Rollinson H. R. Using Geochemical Data: Evaluation, Presentation, Interpretation, 1993, 1-352.

Rubatto D. Zircon Trace Element Geochemistry: Partitioning with Garnet and the Link between U-Pb Ages and Metamorphism. Chemical Geology, 2002, 184(1/2): 123-138.

Santosh M., Zhao D. P., Kusky T. Mantle Dynamics of the Paleoproterozoic North China Craton: A Perspective Based on Seismic Tomography. Journal of Geodynamics, 2010, 49(1): 39-53.

She Z. B., Yang F. Y., Liu W., . The Termination and Aftermath of the Lomagundi-Jatuli Carbon Isotope Excursions in the Paleoproterozoic Hutuo Group, North China. Journal of Earth Science, 2016, 27(2): 297-316.

Tam P. Y., Zhao G. C., Liu F. L., . Timing of Metamorphism in the Paleoproterozoic Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt: New SHRIMP U-Pb Zircon Dating of Granulites, Gneisses and Marbles of the Jiaobei Massif in the North China Craton. Gondwana Research, 2011, 19(1): 150-162.

Tam P. Y., Zhao G. C., Sun M., . Petrology and Metamorphic P-T Path of High-Pressure Mafic Granulites from the Jiaobei Massif in the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt, North China Craton. Lithos, 2012, 155: 94-109.

Tam P. Y., Zhao G. C., Sun M., . Metamorphic P-T Path and Tectonic Implications of Medium-Pressure Pelitic Granulites from the Jiaobei Massif in the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt, North China Craton. Precambrian Research, 2012, 220/221: 177-191.

Tam P. Y., Zhao G. C., Zhou X. W., . Metamorphic P-T Path and Implications of High-Pressure Pelitic Granulites from the Jiaobei Massif in the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt, North China Craton. Gondwana Research, 2012, 22(1): 104-117.

Tang J., Zheng Y. F., Wu Y. B., . Geochronology and Geochemistry of Metamorphic Rocks in the Jiaobei Terrane: Constraints on Its Tectonic Affinity in the Sulu Orogen. Precambrian Research, 2007, 152(1/2): 48-82.

Wan Y. S., Song B., Liu D. Y., . SHRIMP U-Pb Zircon Geochronology of Palaeoproterozoic Metasedimentary Rocks in the North China Craton: Evidence for a Major Late Palaeoproterozoic Tectonothermal Event. Precambrian Research, 2006, 149(3/4): 249-271.

Wan Y. S., Dong C. Y., Liu D. Y., . Zircon Ages and Geochemistry of Late Neoarchean Syenogranites in the North China Craton: A Review. Precambrian Research, 2011, 222/223: 265-289.

Wan Y. S., Liu D. Y., Wang S. J., . ~2.7Ga Juvenile Crust Formation in the North China Craton (Taishan-Xintai Area, Western Shandong Province): Further Evidence of an Understated Event from U-Pb Dating and Hf Isotopic Composition of Zircon. Precambrian Research, 2011, 186(1/2/3/4): 169-180.

Wan Y. S., Liu D. Y., Wang W., . Provenance of Meso-to Neoproterozoic Cover Sediments at the Ming Tombs, Beijing, North China Craton: An Integrated Study of U-Pb Dating and Hf Isotopic Measurement of Detrital Zircons and Whole-Rock Geochemistry. Gondwana Research, 2011, 20(1): 219-242.

Wan Y. S., Liu D. Y., Dong C. Y., . Formation and Evolution of Archean Continental Crust of the North China Craton, Precambrian Geology of China, 2015, 59-136.

Wang F., Liu F. L., Liu P. H., . Metamorphic Evolution of Early Precambrian Khondalite Series in North Shandong Province. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2010, 26(7): 2057-2072.

Wilde S. A., Zhao G. C. Archean to Paleoproterozoic Evolution of the North China Craton. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2005, 24: 519-522.

Whitney D. L., Evans B. W. Abbreviations for Names of Rock-Forming Minerals. American Mineralogist, 2010, 95(1): 185-187.

Wu M. L., Zhao G. C., Sun M., . Zircon U-Pb Geochronology and Hf Isotopes of Major Lithologies from the Jiaodong Terrane: Implications for the Crustal Evolution of the Eastern Block of the North China Craton. Lithos, 2014, 190/191: 71-84.

Wu M. L., Lin S. F., Wan Y. S., . Crustal Evolution of the Eastern Block in the North China Craton: Constraints from Zircon U-Pb Geochronology and Lu-Hf Isotopes of the Northern Liaoning Complex. Precambrian Research, 2016, 275: 35-47.

Xia X. P., Sun M., Zhao G. C., . LA-ICP-MS U-Pb Geochronology of Detrital Zircons from the Jining Complex, North China Craton and Its Tectonic Significance. Precambrian Research, 2006, 144(3/4): 199-212.

Xia X. P., Sun M., Zhao G. C., . U-Pb and Hf Isotopic Study of Detrital Zircons from the Lüliang Khondalite, North China Craton, and Their Tectonic Implications. Geological Magazine, 2009, 146(5): 701-716.

Yin C. Q., Zhao G. C., Sun M., . LA-ICP-MS U-Pb Zircon Ages of the Qianlishan Complex: Constrains on the Evolution of the Khondalite Belt in the Western Block of the North China Craton. Precambrian Research, 2009, 174(1/2): 78-94.

Yuan H. L., Gao S., Dai M. N., . Simultaneous Determinations of U-Pb Age, Hf Isotopes and Trace Element Compositions of Zircon by Excimer Laser-Ablation Quadrupole and Multiple-Collector ICP-MS. Chemical Geology, 2008, 247(1/2): 100-118.

Zhai M. G., Bian A. G., Zhao T. P. Amalgamation of the Supercontinental of the North China Craton and Its Break up during Late–Middle Proterozoic. Science China Series D: Earth Sciences, 2001, 43: 219-232.

Zhai M., Liu W. J. Palaeoproterozoic Tectonic History of the North China Craton: A Review. Precambrian Research, 2003, 122(1/2/3/4): 183-199.

Zhai M. G., Santosh M. The Early Precambrian Odyssey of the North China Craton: A Synoptic Overview. Gondwana Research, 2011, 20(1): 6-25.

Zhai M. G., Hu B., Zhao T. P., . Late Paleoproterozoic–Neoproterozoic Multi-Rifting Events in the North China Craton and Their Geological Significance: A Study Advance and Review. Tectonophysics, 2015, 662: 153-166.

Zhang Q. S., Yang Z. S. Early Crust and Mineral Deposits of Liaodong Peninsula, China, 1988.

Zhao G. C., Wilde S. A., Cawood P. A., . Thermal Evolution of Archean Basement Rocks from the Eastern Part of the North China Craton and Its Bearing on Tectonic Setting. International Geology Review, 1998, 40(8): 706-721.

Zhao G. C., Cawood P. A., Wilde S. A., . Metamorphism of Basement Rocks in the Central Zone of the North China Craton: Implications for Paleoproterozoic Tectonic Evolution. Precambrian Research, 2000, 103(1/2): 55-88.

Zhao G. C., Wilde S. A., Cawood P. A., . Petrology and P-T Path of the Fuping Mafic Granulites: Implications for Tectonic Evolution of the Central Zone of the North China Craton. Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 2000, 18(4): 375-391.

Zhao G. C., Wilde S. A., Cawood P. A., . Archean Blocks and Their Boundaries in the North China Craton, Lithological, Geochemical, Structural and P-T Path Constrains and Tectonic Evolution. Precambrian Research, 2001, 107: 45-73.

Zhao G. C., Sun M., Wilde S. A., . Late Archean to Paleoproterozoic Evolution of the North China Craton: Key Issues Revisited. Precambrian Research, 2005, 136(2): 177-202.

Zhao G. C., Wilde S. A., Guo J. H., . Single Zircon Grains Record Two Paleoproterozoic Collisional Events in the North China Craton. Precambrian Research, 2010, 177: 266-276.

Zhao G. C., Li S. Z., Sun M., . Assembly, Accretion, and Break-up of the Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic Columbia Supercontinent, Records in the North China Craton Revisited. International Geology Review, 2011, 53: 1331-1356.

Zhao G. C., Guo J. H. Precambrian Geology of China: Preface. Precambrian Research, 2012, 222/223: 1-12.

Zhao G. C., Zhai M. G. Lithotectonic Elements of Precambrian Basement in the North China Craton, Review and Tectonic Implications. Gondwana Research, 2013, 23: 1207-1240.

Zhao L., Li T., Peng P. A., . Anatomy of Zircon Growth in High Pressure Granulites, SIMS U-Pb Geochronology and Lu-Hf Isotopes from the Jiaobei Terrane, Eastern North China Craton. Gondwana Research, 2015, 28: 1373-1390.

Zhou J. B., Wilde S. A., Zhao G. C., . SHRIMP U-Pb Zircon Dating of the Neoproterozoic Penglai Group and Archean Gneisses from the Jiaobei Terrane, North China, and Their Tectonic Implications. Precambrian Research, 2008, 160(3): 323-340.

Zhou X. W., Zhao G. C., Wei C. J., . EPMA U-Th-Pb Monazite and SHRIMP U-Pb Zircon Geochronology of High Pressure Pelitic Granulites in the Jiaobei Massif of the North China Craton. American Journal of Science, 2008, 308: 328-350.

Zou Y., Zhai M. G., Santosh M., . High-Pressure Pelitic Granulites from the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt, North China Craton: A Complete P-T Path and Its Tectonic Implications. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2017, 134: 103-121.