Development of thermal state and plate tectonics in the North China Craton during Neoarchean–Paleoproterozoic

Abstract Although the early tectonic regime of the Earth remains debated, it is generally accepted that the geodynamic system underwent a notable transition during the Neoarchean–Paleoproterozoic. Here, we establish the metamorphic database for the North China Craton, comprising 446 valid data (83 Neoarchean and 363 Paleoproterozoic), which are categorized into high, intermediate, and low types based on the thermobaric ratio (T/P). This framework is used to investigate the thermal history, tectonic evolution, and the initiation of plate tectonics during this period. The results show that the North China Craton is dominated by high and intermediate T/P metamorphism, with only limited low T/P metamorphic records appearing in the late Paleoproterozoic. The Neoarchean–Paleoproterozoic thermal evolution of the North China Craton is overall consistent with the global thermal evolution trend, suggesting a transition from ancient-style plate tectonics to modern-style plate tectonics. The Paleoproterozoic metamorphic T/P curve exhibits relatively lower thermobaric ratios at 2.0–1.95 Ga (~1.97 Ga) and ~1.80 Ga, corresponding to two orogenic events: the collision and amalgamation of internal blocks within the North China Craton, and its final incorporation into the Columbia supercontinent. Furthermore, this study links the evolution of plate tectonics with Earth’s solid–surface systems, providing new insights into material circulation processes.