Tectonophysics, 197 (1991) 225-243 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam 225 Eastern Asia and the Westem Pacific Timing and spatial distribution of rifting in China Stuart A. Gilder ‘, G. Randy Keller, Ming Luo and P.C. Goode11 Department of GeologicalScience, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA (Received February 2,199O; revised version accepted June 26,199O) ABSTRACT Gilder, S.A., Keller, G.R., Luo M. and Goodell, P.C., 1991. Timing and spatial distribution of rifting in China. In: A.F. Gangi (Editor), World Rift Systems. Tectonophysics, 197: 225-243. A compilation of recognized rifts in China indicates that five distinct episodes of rifting have occurred. These episodes occurred at approximately 2.3 Ga, 1.85-1.7 Ga, 1.0-0.7 Ga, 550-190 Ma, and 175 Ma to present. The timing and location of rifting has largely been a function of tectonic activity along the margins of the various Chinese paleocontinents. Some of the oldest rocks in China are found in the Sino-Korean and Tarim cratons, and most of the identified Precambrian rifts are found within or on the margins of these cratons. These cratons are viewed as the continental nucleus of China, and fold belts and microcontinents have been accreted to this nucleus through time. Much of the locus of rifting has migrated away from this nucleus as has the location of the continental margin-especially in the Paleozoic. Beginning in the Middle Mesozoic, rifting commenced along the entire eastern margin of China. Extension occurred concomitantly with subduction in a backarc setting; this is the dominant Cenoxoic extensional regime in China and is still active today. To date, few Cenozoic rifts have been found in western China where most tectonism is probably a consequence of the collision between India and China, but it seems likely that more rifts will be discovered in this area as it becomes better studied. Introdwtion China is a vast country whose geology is poorly understood by outside workers. Because of its large area and location, a better understanding of China’s geologic history is important to global efforts to study continental tectonics, and the evolution of rifting is a particularly important element of this history. The purpose of this paper is to present a compi- lation of rift interpretations and a synthesis of the rift history in China as derived from the existing Chinese and English literature. Due to our own work in China, we have had good access to the Chinese geologic literature. Our main task was to organize and evaluate this material. The major t Present address: Earth Science Board, University of Cali- fornia, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA. problem encountered when undertaking such a synthesis is discrepancies in the bases for the interpretation of various features as rifts. Con- sistency of nomenclature is also a serious problem encountered when synthesizing the Chinese litera- ture in that a single rift may be referred to by two or more different names. Also, locations of fea- tures/rifts are commonly omitted or ambiguous. Some interpreted rifts are poorly documented while others are well described. We have generally accepted any documented interpretation of the existence of a rift, although some must be consid- ered questionable. A consistent picture has how- ever emerged. Tectonic summary of China In order to understand the setting of rifting, a brief tectonic summary is necessary. The tectonic history of China can be generalized to consist of 0040-1951/91/SO3.50 0 1991 - Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. All rights reserved