Abstract
Cratons are the oldest lithosphere surviving on Earth's surface. Cratons' long-term survival is attributed primarily to their high viscosity and thickness. Despite such long-term stability, some cratons are recognized as 'modified' or 'destroyed'. The eastern part of the North China Craton (NCC) is one of the prime examples of such a modified craton, where the older cratonic lithosphere is extensively destroyed and replaced by newer mantle. The mechanism of this destruction has remained debatable. In today's talk, I will discuss potential mechanisms of destruction of cratonic lithosphere, including hydration weakening, crustal foundering, delamination along weak mid-lithospheric discontinuity, and thermo-mechanical erosion. While studying the viability of these mechanisms is of much interest to understand lithospheric evolution, destruction of cratons is likely to influence climate conditions. Some recent studies suggest that the destruction of NCC contributed to Cretaceous global warming. Additionally, destruction of cratonic lithosphere led to topographic changes that influenced the rainfall pattern and biogeography of the Jehol Biota along the east coast of the NCC.