Abstract: One of the important tasks of solid-earth science is to detect deep earth processes and co-evolution of different layers. Deep material probing, geophysical structural probing and deep drilling are the three main approaches in deep-earth exploration. “Magmatic rock probe” or lithospheric probe, and isotopic mapping (such as by whole rock Nd and zircon Hf) are powerful tools for deep material probing. This method has been used to reveal deep composition and structure and their spatio-temporal evolution, determine different crust provinces (ancient or juvenile), delineate terrane boundary, estimate mechanisms and degree of continental crust growth, and analyze regional metallogenesis. Their increasing application can lead to deep material mapping through a combination of deep structural and material probing. The Chinese mainland and adjacent areas are good testing ground for deep material probing. The major unsolved problems include compositions and structures of the lithosphere and continental crust made up of multiple blocks, crustal growth processes and compositions and structures of different types of orogenic belts, and compositions of different tectonic units and their constrains on mineralization. In this paper, we reviewed and discussed research ideas, methods and focuses related to regional isotopic mapping (using whole-rock Sr-Nd and zircons Lu-Hf isotopic probes) and xenocrystic and inherited zircon mapping. We also discussed future key research areas and directions.

Key words:  lithoprobe, isotopic mapping, deep material composition, three-dimensional structure, crustal growth, orogenic belts