Lithospheric thinning and destruction of the North China Craton

Lithospheric thinning and destruction of the North China Craton are intensively discussed in recent literature. It is unclear, however, about its time, thinning degree, spatial variation, mechanism and tectonic controlling factors for this kind of geodynamic phenomena. A comprehensive review and discussion is given in this paper, including:, ( I) Difference between lithospheric thinning and cratonic destruction; ( 2) Lithospheric mantle ages beneath the North China Craton since Paleozoic and crust-mantle decoupling; (3) Time of the lithospheric thinning and destruction; (4) Vertical thining variations in the lithosphere; ( 5) Spatial variations in whole eastern China; ( 6) Mechanism; ( 7) Geodynamic controlling factors; ( 8) Uniqueness of the destruction of the North China Craton on the Earth. Finally, a compilation of references on the lithospheric thinning and destruction of the North China Craton is given in the appendix.