3D structure and dynamic types of the lithospheric crust in continental China and its adjacent regions

Abstract：A crustal thickness and velocity structure model of continental China has been constructed based on a systematic structural analysis of the seismic sounding profile in continental China and its adjacent regions. According to this model, structural styles of crustal deformation, crustal geological structure and tectonic evolution and crustal kinematics and dynamics, the lithospheric crust beneath continental China is divided into six crust structure-dynamic types: (1) cratonic folded-thrust style structure-compressional dynamic type (Tarim type); (2) cratonic horst structure-extensional dynamic type (Ordos type); (3) thickened plateau fan structure-collisional wedging dynamic type (Tibetan Plateau type); (4) thickened orogenic wedge structure-subductional wedging dynamic type (Tianshan type); (5) thinned basin-range structure-block extensional dynamic type (North China type); and (6) thinned listric structure-wholesalely extensional dynamic type (South China type). This paper discusses the basic characteristics of cratonic crustal, thickened crust and thinned crust and their relations and geological significance.