Abstract:

The development of modern geosciences and the deep study of continental geology by applying plate tectonics have made continental geological problems the frontier, hotspot and key issues for earth science research in 21st century. This paper, now, after the “Continental Dynamics” study has been proposed for more than 20 years, presents new thinking on relevant concepts, questions, and characteristics of continental geology, introduces typical examples of the intracontinental tectonics in China continent and implements a brief comparison with analogues in the world. On the basis of these, the paper suggests some key scientific questions on the study of continental geology and dynamics for further discussion in the geological circle. Furthermore, the authors emphasize the study of nonplate tectonics, and the determination of the far field effect in continental interior. Finally, for the purpose of pushing the theory of plate tectonics forward, deeply understanding continent, exploring the continental dynamics and establishing a new global tectonic view including the plate tectonics on the planet earth, the paper calls on to draw attention to the importance of the interaction between continental blocks in continent which leads to the real and pure intracontinental tectonics under the conditions of the nonequilibrium of deep dynamics and different blocks.

Key words: Key words: plate tectonics, continental tectonics, intracontinental tectonics, Qinling MesoCenozoic intracontinental orogeny, Xuefeng intracontinental deformation, continental dynamics