Beishan orogenic belt is located in the southern margin of the Central Asian tectonic belt, where the Tarim Plate, North China Plate and Siberia Plate meet, which is the most significant area of the Phanerozoic continental crust accretion and transformation in the world, has become the key area for studying the process from subduction to final collage closure and intracontinental transformation of the Paleo−Asian Ocean, and the process of intracontinental transformation covers the complex process of intracontinental deformation, basin-mountain coupling and readjusting since Late Paleozoic, especially during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. Previous studies on the Beishan orogenic belt mainly focus on the early subduction and collision process, but the study on the intracontinental stage, especially the Indosinian tectonic process is relatively weak. In the field geological survey of the Heiyingshan area in the northern of the Beishan orogenic belt, we found the Early Paleozoic metamorphic sandstone-volcanic rocks thrust southward onto the carboniferous andesitic volcanic tuff and Triassic acid fused tuff, metamorphic sandstone. By studying the structural characteristics of the thrust system and the zircon U−Pb ages of the upper and lower strata volcanic rocks, it is proposed that the thrust system has nappe from north to south and shows the characteristics of the ‘flyover type’ superimposed structure. The new geochronological data indicate that the thrust nappe system is the result of intracontinental compression in Beishan orogenic belt during the Late Triassic (Late Indosinian). The identification and age determination of the Heiyingshan thrust nappe structure have important significance for a further understanding of the intracontinental tectonic evolution of the Beishan orogenic belt.

The Qaidam Basin is rich in oil, gas, and mineral resources. Its origin and evolutionary process, composition, and deep structural characteristics play a crucial role in geological research on the Qinghai−Tibetan Plateau. Considering that magentotelluric sounding as one of the vital methods to study the electrical structure of the lithosphere, it can provide significant support for basin dynamics, resource exploration and deposit genesis research. To better analyze the tectonic significance of the key electrical layers in the lithosphere of the Qaidam Basin, we conducted a (ultra−) broadband magnetotelluric sounding line about 255 km long from the Youquanzi to the Huahaizi in the western Qaidam Basin, which obtained a 2D profile, and including the combination with regional geological, the existing geochemical and geophysical research results. In the western Qaidam Basin, two Cenozoic electrical layers with different deformation strength developed in the upper and lower strata. The upper electrical layers with weak deformation contains a set of ultra−low resistivity layers lower than 2 Ω·m, which corresponds to the high−quality brine layer in the deep basin, indicating a good prospect of deep brine prospecting. But the deformation of the lower electrical layer is relatively strong, and a set of growing electrical layer can be seen at the bottom. We considered that the existence of the main Qaidam detachment fault in the deep part controlled the Cenozoic sedimentary and tectonic deformation of the basin at the beginning of the Cenozoic. There are significant differences in the deep electrical structure of the research area, with a high and low undulating electrical Moho surface located about 50 kilometers deep. The deep parts of Qaidam Basin and Suganhu Basin are dominated by medium−low resistance bodies. The Saishiteng Mountain area is rooted with high resistivity body, while the middle and lower crust of the Youquanzi alkali mountain area is a set of low resistance bodies. There may be an upwelling of asthenosphere material in the deep of the Kunteyi area.

Helanshan tectonic belt is a typical intracontinental contractional deformation area of the western North China Craton since the Mesozoic. Based on the analysis and inversion of magnetotelluric data collected in the field, the deep electrical structure of the Helanshan tectonic belt was obtained. The results reveal that the Helanshan tectonic belt develops the thrust−nappe structure in the upper crust, and there are intact and thick crustal roots in the middle and lower crust. The magnetotelluric sounding profile shows that there is a low resistivity channel upwelling to the NW of the Helanshan tectonic belt, and there are mantle material upwelling characteristics in the Yinchuan Garben and Ordos Bain in the southeast. The Helanshan tectonic belt of the Late Jurassic WNW—ESE compressive fold−thrust belt and the Cretaceous tectonic uplift process are related to the subduction of the Western Pacific Plate, which records the early upwelling of deep mantle material in the NW direction. Controlling by the Cenozoic Western Pacific Plate subduction and rollback and the Tibetan Plateau growth northward, the adjacent area of the Helanshan tectonic belt deep mantle material upwelling into the crust. Then, the Ordos Basin deep lithosphere thinned, forming the present basin and mountain tectonic pattern.

The Liupanshan Basin has undergone multi−processes such as Early Paleozoic craton carbonate platform, Paleozoic marine to terrestrial, and Mesozoic lacustrine environment, developing three sets of hydrocarbon source rocks: Carboniferous, Triassic−Jurassic, and Cretaceous. It is one of the potential target areas for new hydrocarbon exploration. However, located in such a critical tectonic location, Liupanshan basin is affected by the interaction of multiple blocks such as the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, Alxa, and Ordos. It has undergone multiple tectonic periods, developed numerous folds and faults, and undergone high modifications in crustal structure and basin properties, seriously hindering the hydrocarbon evaluation and target zones selection. Based on this, this study uses three key seismic profiles from the Liupanshan area and comprehensively analyzes the basin mountain evolution process. The main processes include early Mesozoic (Triassic/Jurassic) local extensional faulting, early Early Cretaceous compression and late Early Cretaceous extension. Since the Cenozoic era, the Liupanshan Basin has been strongly compressed by the Qinghai Tibet Plateau growth, creating the current Liupanshan fold and thrust belt.

The Xishanmeiyao area of southeastern Beishan range, presents an opportunity for investigating the intracontinental deformation history of Central Asia region during the late Mesozoic era, which is of great significance to revealing the evolutionary history of Central Asian. Here, we conducted synthesis investigation of remote sensing image interpretation, field geological observation and structural analysis, and apatite (U−Th)/He (A−He) chronology to study the deformation characteristics and time in the Xishanmeiyao area. The study area exposes the Xishanmeiyao thrusts, which is characterized by the thrusted the late Carboniferous gabbro and Permian granite to the Middle Lower Jurassic Longfengshan Formation coal-bearing strata (J_1-2ln). A series of the NE direction imbricated thrust faults were developed with fault dip is 40°~50° in the footwall. The gabbro and granite klippen forming on the hang wall with the thrust nappe distance of ~10 km. The AHe data of the late Carboniferous gabbro record the 160~130 Ma cooling event, it is indicated that the area experienced near NE compression deformation during the late Middle Jurassic to early stage of Early Cretaceous, which may be the coupling result of the closure of Bangong−Nujiang ocean final in the southern and the Mongolia−Okhotsk Ocean in the northern margin of Asia. The AHe data of deformed Jurassic record the 120~100 Ma cooling event related the footwall exhumation during subsequent normal faulting, which may be the caused by the collapse of thickened crust. The tectonic inversion of the near E−W normal fault causing that the deformed Jurassic and overlying rocks were overlayed to the Lower Cretaceous, indicative of the weak compressive deformation after Late Cretaceous in the southern part of Beishan and overprinted the pre-existing compressive and extensional structures.

The northward collision and subduction of the Indian continental plate have led to the rapid uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. During the uplift process, the material composition and tectonic evolution are highly complicated in the plateau, and the distribution characteristics and tectonic origin of the low−velocity layer within the plateau are not clear. In this paper, we collected data from the northern stations of the Hi−Climb and used the receiver function complex spectral ratio−based nonlinear inversion method to obtain 1−D shear velocity structure. Combining previous geophysical research results, our result show that the shear−wave low−velocity layer in the lower crust beneath the profile is separated by the Shiquanhe−Namco Melange suture zone (SNMZ) and the Bangong−Nujiang suture zone (BNS), and distinctly differ from each other. This result indicates that the SNMZ is a deep fault zone between the Central and North Lhasa terranes, and also an important transition zone at the uppermost mantle. Low−velocity layer in the upper crust is mainly related to the surface geological structure and the distribution of sedimentary layers. Horizontal distribution of the low velocity layer in the middle and lower crust is not only constrained by terrane boundaries, such as SNMZ and BNS, but also related to the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau.

Detecting the fine structure of lithosphere in orogenic belt is the most effective means to explore orogeny and mineralisation. In 2019, the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences completed a 185−km−long deep seismic reflection profile from northwest to southeast, and five magnetotelluric sounding (broadband and audio) profiles with a total of 174 points in the Sungwu−Jinsong corridor belt in northwestern Heilongjiang Province. The results show that the depth of the Moho in the Duobaoshan ore concentration area is about 33 km (Two way traveltime 11s), showing an intermittent and traceable pattern. A set of subduction relict are identified in the middle and lower crust on the east side of the area, which shows that it is a reflection body that inclinates to the west and extends to the upper mantle, with a dip angle of 25 degrees, and is inferred to be the subduction relict of the Nenjiang Ocean. The characteristics of crust−mantle reflection are identified in the west side of the Duobaoshan ore concentration area, which is generally inclined to the east. It is indicated that the influence of the Mongolia−Okhotsk structure has reached the Heihe−Hegenshan suture. The upper crust of the Duobaoshan ore concentration area is confined to the "V" tectonic belt between Woduhe−Handaqi, and a series of strong reflection layers around 10 km in length are developed vertically in the middle and lower crust, which is interpreted as a residual magma channel. The high conductor in the lower crust of the Duobaoshan ore concentration area can extend to the mantle, and its high−conductivity anomaly C4 on it is distributed in the form of a mushroom cloud, and is spatially consistent with the location of the ore deposits, which indicates the intrusion of mantle−sourced materials. The overall velocity of the near−surface velocity structure of the Duobaoshan ore concentration area varies from 1900 m/s to 6100 m/s, and the high velocity body interface has a large undulation and a shallow depth, which is a favourable area for searching for concealed gold mines. Although the porphyry bodies of the Tongshan copper mine and the Duobaoshan copper mine are blocked by hidden faults, they are connected at deep depth, and there is still good resource potential within 2000 m underground. This study links the distribution of shallow deposits with the lithospheric structure, and provides a new vision for further study of the geological background of the Duobaoshan ore concentration area connected with the ancient crustal suture and the composite orogenic belt.

Natural gas has been discovered in the basement of the Paleozoic strata in the Sishen 1 well area of the Songliao Basin. However, the organic matter in the source rocks was in the over mature stage. Based on residual TOC and rock pyrolysis, the evaluation accuracy of source rock was reduced significantly, and it could result in erroneous assessments of the oil and gas exploration potential. A bulk of experimental data encompassing rock pyrolysis parameters, isotopic ratios of organic carbon, vitrinite reflectance, organic maceral components and multiple recovery methodologies were employed to restore the original organic matter content and hydrocarbon generation potential of the Paleozoic source rocks. The degradation rate method was selected as the most reliable recovery method based on the recovery results. Subsequently, the expulsion characteristics of the source rocks throughout the thermal maturation process were analyzed, leveraging the hydrocarbon potential method. The findings indicated that the majority kerogen type of Paleozoic source rocks in the Sishen 1 well area were classified as Type I and Type II₁. The average original total organic carbon (TOC) content was 2.56%, while the average original S₂ value was calculated to be 16.11 mg/g. Consequently, the quality of the original source rocks was good to excellent. According to the hydrocarbon expulsion curves of I and II₁ kerogen during thermal evolution, the Paleozoic source rocks in the Sishen 1 well area were found to have entered the hydrocarbon expulsion threshold during the Early Triassic (approximately 230 Ma), characterized by a vitrinite reflectance (R_o) value of 0.7%, and the peak of hydrocarbon expulsion was attained in the Late Triassic (approximately 210 Ma), with an R_o value of 1.1%. Oil accumulation was occurred from the Early Triassic to the Early Jurassic (approximately 230 Ma to 200 Ma), with an estimated expulsion volume of 416.423×10⁸ t. Then, gas generation was happened during the Middle to Late Jurassic (approximately 200 Ma to 165 Ma), with an expulsion volume recorded at 55.093×10⁸ t. The study has shown that that the Upper Paleozoic source rocks in the Sishen 1 well area have provided abundant source of hydrocarbons for the formation of oil and gas reservoirs.

Niutuozhen geothermal field is located in North China, one of China's most important medium−low temperature geothermal fields. To reveal the deep structure and the origin of the geothermal field, an E−W deep reflection seismic profile which is 40 km long and 250 times folded was aquired by the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences in 2020. The shallow strata feature in low porosity in Niutuozhen overlaid on the thermal reservoir, acts as a serviceable cap layer. Niutuozhen has a superior geothermal reservoir attributed to the evolved carbonate rocks, such as the Jixian System, and the Changcheng System, which feature high permeability. The deep−seated Niudong and Rongdong faults unequivocally extend to the basement and connect the deep thermal reservoir and shallow strata. They act as channels for the upward migration of hot water and the thermal convection process. The decollement within the crust at depths of 16 km to 20 km in the Niutuozhen Uplift serves as a thermal conductor and hydrological barrier, facilitating the conduction of heat from deeper sources to heat the reservoirs. In the seismic profile, the transparent zone revealed as intrusive bodies formed by the upwelling of the Early Paleogene asthenosphere, and the intrusive bodies extending from the lower crust below the Moho surface primarily cause the heat anomaly in the region. The shallow sedimentary cover, the Mesoproterozoic carbonatite reservoirs with well developed fracture, the conduction of water and heat through faults, the impermeable heat-conductive decollement within the crust, and the deep intrusive bodies providing a heat source, all these essential elements are combined to form the Niutuozhen geothermal field, which now has objective geothermal resources.

The South China Block (SCB) west of the eastern edge of the Qinghai−Tibetan Plateau (ETP) is both an important part of global tectonics and an area of extremely complex geological and tectonic evolution. The coupling relationship between the SCB and the ETP is currently highly controversial. The lithospheric thermal structure contains rich information on tectonic deformation, geological evolutionary processes and geodynamics, which can provide effective constraints for an in-depth understanding of the coupling relationship between the SCB and the ETP. The functional relationship between the depth of the Curie depth and the terrestrial heat flow data is used to obtain integrated terrestrial heat flow data and improve the spatial resolution of terrestrial heat flow data in the SCB. Then, the SCB’s reliable lithospheric thermal structure by the thermal steady-state conduction equation, integrated geodetic heat flow data, and the relationship between seismic S wave velocity and temperature. Analyses of crust-mantle heat flow distribution, Moho surface temperature and thermal lithospheric thickness in the lithospheric thermal structure show that the Cathaysia Block, the North China Plate, the northeastern part of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt and the eastern part of the Yangtze Block belong to the ‘cold crust-hot mantle’ structure, whereas the Sichuan Basin and the Songpan-Ganzi Block belong to the ‘hot crust-cold mantle’ structure. The northwesterly subduction and retreat of the Palaeo-Pacific Plate to the SCB may be responsible for the northwesterly to southeasterly rise/thickening of both the temperature and thermal lithosphere thickness trends at the Moho surface. The SCB and the ETP show opposite movement. In the shallow part of the crust, rigid blocks of the upper crust of the SGB collide with the YB to form the Longmenshan Fault Zone. In the deep part of the crust, the Western YB is affected by thermal erosion (The SGB high-temperature indicated the partial melting fluids and the upwelling of deep thermal material), resulting in the progressive dissipation of low-temperature stable craton properties.

The Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt is an important treasure trove of Fe−Cu polymetallic resources in China. Previous research results have shown that the lithospheric tectonic evolution of the metallogenic belt is the key to understand the entire mineralization process and to predict new deposits. However, there is still great controversy over the tectonic control on deep setting and process of magma−mineral system, including two kinds of understanding: ① lithospheric extension and lower crust melting caused by upper mantle convection; ② stress regime conversion and deep magmatic activity related to the subduction of the ancient Pacific plate. Moreover, this important geological issue still lacks constraints from geophysical deep exploration data. Therefore, based on the geophysical exploration data obtained by the "Deep Mineral Resources Exploration and Evaluation Innovation Team" of the Science and Technology Innovation Team of the Ministry of Natural Resources in the metallogenic belt, we analyze the results and geology−geophysics models of multi depth scale from upper mantle to most upper crust. Then we summarize and supplement the relevant understanding of the deep setting and process of mineralization in the metallogenic belt. Moreover, we, here, propose that the mantle material upwelling caused by the detachment of intracontinental subduction slab beneath the metallogenic belt controled the deep material sources and channel elements of the mineral system in the study area. Therefore, Fe−Cu mineral system was controlled by the stress regime conversion caused by slab sinking, and was formed in a variable tectonic setting over time, although there was a unified deep structure.

The Wuling fold−and−thrust belt, located along the eastern margin of the Yangtze block, is a significant linear tectonic belt shaped by the intra−continental compressional forces in South China. Understanding its formation mechanisms is crucial for advancing broader tectonic evolution of the region. This study examines the deep crustal architecture, deformation processes, and surface tectonics within the Wuling fold−and−thrust belt by integrating high−resolution geophysical imaging, detailed tectonic analysis, and recent numerical and analog modeling. The key findings are as follows: ① The pronounced gravity gradient belt across the Wuling Mountains is primarily controlled by structural and compositional variations at the crustal and lithospheric levels; ② The Neoproterozoic collision and subsequent amalgamation of the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks shaped the crustal structure, leading to the Moho undulation, break−off, imbrication, and other related features; ③ A low−velocity décollement layer, in combination with pre−existing regional faults, facilitated crustal decoupling and played a critical role in the structural evolution of the belt; ④ Far−field stresses from Paleo−Pacific plate subduction during the Late Mesozoic were the primary drivers of the observed fold−and−thrust deformation. These findings may offer new insights into knowledge on the intra−continental deformation mechanisms in South China and also contribute to refining tectonic models in other similar regions.

Mayang Basin in Hunan Province is located in the uplift area of Xuefeng Mountain, which is rich in geothermal resources. In order to understand the deep structure of the basin and analyze the source of geothermal resources, we uses the audio magnetotelluric and magnetotelluric profiles collected at the same point in the area to carry out 2D inversion. To ensure the reliability of the final electrical structure, firstly, based on the phase tensor, the qualitative analysis of the observation data, such as dimension discrimination and spindle azimuth statistics, is carried out to determine the tensor impedance rotation angle. Then, the two inversion strategies of adaptive regularization and L−curve regularization are compared. The forward and inversion trial of the simplified model proves that the results obtained by the L−curve strategy are more objective and real, and the electrical structure model of Mayang Basin is obtained by L−curve strategy inversion. Finally, combined with prior geological information, we identify the deep extension of the three faults, and believe that the deep high−resistance uplift area of the Mayang Basin roughly reflects the range of the basin’s crystalline basement uplift. The electrical model obtained by inversion shows that there is a large−scale high−conductivity area in the deep part of Mayang Basin, which is presumed to be partially melted thermal material that transmits heat upward as a deep heat source, and the high−resistance body in the shallow part serves as a caprock, which provides favorable conditions for geothermal preservation. The fracture between the two links the shallow and deep parts. Finally, a hot spring is formed at Mayang County. Our research shows that the belt also has a great prospect of geothermal resources.

Beishan orogenic belt is located in the southern margin of the Central Asian tectonic belt, where the Tarim Plate, North China Plate and Siberia Plate meet, which is the most significant area of the Phanerozoic continental crust accretion and transformation in the world, has become the key area for studying the process from subduction to final collage closure and intracontinental transformation of the Paleo−Asian Ocean, and the process of intracontinental transformation covers the complex process of intracontinental deformation, basin-mountain coupling and readjusting since Late Paleozoic, especially during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. Previous studies on the Beishan orogenic belt mainly focus on the early subduction and collision process, but the study on the intracontinental stage, especially the Indosinian tectonic process is relatively weak. In the field geological survey of the Heiyingshan area in the northern of the Beishan orogenic belt, we found the Early Paleozoic metamorphic sandstone-volcanic rocks thrust southward onto the carboniferous andesitic volcanic tuff and Triassic acid fused tuff, metamorphic sandstone. By studying the structural characteristics of the thrust system and the zircon U−Pb ages of the upper and lower strata volcanic rocks, it is proposed that the thrust system has nappe from north to south and shows the characteristics of the ‘flyover type’ superimposed structure. The new geochronological data indicate that the thrust nappe system is the result of intracontinental compression in Beishan orogenic belt during the Late Triassic (Late Indosinian). The identification and age determination of the Heiyingshan thrust nappe structure have important significance for a further understanding of the intracontinental tectonic evolution of the Beishan orogenic belt.

The Qaidam Basin is rich in oil, gas, and mineral resources. Its origin and evolutionary process, composition, and deep structural characteristics play a crucial role in geological research on the Qinghai−Tibetan Plateau. Considering that magentotelluric sounding as one of the vital methods to study the electrical structure of the lithosphere, it can provide significant support for basin dynamics, resource exploration and deposit genesis research. To better analyze the tectonic significance of the key electrical layers in the lithosphere of the Qaidam Basin, we conducted a (ultra−) broadband magnetotelluric sounding line about 255 km long from the Youquanzi to the Huahaizi in the western Qaidam Basin, which obtained a 2D profile, and including the combination with regional geological, the existing geochemical and geophysical research results. In the western Qaidam Basin, two Cenozoic electrical layers with different deformation strength developed in the upper and lower strata. The upper electrical layers with weak deformation contains a set of ultra−low resistivity layers lower than 2 Ω·m, which corresponds to the high−quality brine layer in the deep basin, indicating a good prospect of deep brine prospecting. But the deformation of the lower electrical layer is relatively strong, and a set of growing electrical layer can be seen at the bottom. We considered that the existence of the main Qaidam detachment fault in the deep part controlled the Cenozoic sedimentary and tectonic deformation of the basin at the beginning of the Cenozoic. There are significant differences in the deep electrical structure of the research area, with a high and low undulating electrical Moho surface located about 50 kilometers deep. The deep parts of Qaidam Basin and Suganhu Basin are dominated by medium−low resistance bodies. The Saishiteng Mountain area is rooted with high resistivity body, while the middle and lower crust of the Youquanzi alkali mountain area is a set of low resistance bodies. There may be an upwelling of asthenosphere material in the deep of the Kunteyi area.

Helanshan tectonic belt is a typical intracontinental contractional deformation area of the western North China Craton since the Mesozoic. Based on the analysis and inversion of magnetotelluric data collected in the field, the deep electrical structure of the Helanshan tectonic belt was obtained. The results reveal that the Helanshan tectonic belt develops the thrust−nappe structure in the upper crust, and there are intact and thick crustal roots in the middle and lower crust. The magnetotelluric sounding profile shows that there is a low resistivity channel upwelling to the NW of the Helanshan tectonic belt, and there are mantle material upwelling characteristics in the Yinchuan Garben and Ordos Bain in the southeast. The Helanshan tectonic belt of the Late Jurassic WNW—ESE compressive fold−thrust belt and the Cretaceous tectonic uplift process are related to the subduction of the Western Pacific Plate, which records the early upwelling of deep mantle material in the NW direction. Controlling by the Cenozoic Western Pacific Plate subduction and rollback and the Tibetan Plateau growth northward, the adjacent area of the Helanshan tectonic belt deep mantle material upwelling into the crust. Then, the Ordos Basin deep lithosphere thinned, forming the present basin and mountain tectonic pattern.

The Liupanshan Basin has undergone multi−processes such as Early Paleozoic craton carbonate platform, Paleozoic marine to terrestrial, and Mesozoic lacustrine environment, developing three sets of hydrocarbon source rocks: Carboniferous, Triassic−Jurassic, and Cretaceous. It is one of the potential target areas for new hydrocarbon exploration. However, located in such a critical tectonic location, Liupanshan basin is affected by the interaction of multiple blocks such as the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, Alxa, and Ordos. It has undergone multiple tectonic periods, developed numerous folds and faults, and undergone high modifications in crustal structure and basin properties, seriously hindering the hydrocarbon evaluation and target zones selection. Based on this, this study uses three key seismic profiles from the Liupanshan area and comprehensively analyzes the basin mountain evolution process. The main processes include early Mesozoic (Triassic/Jurassic) local extensional faulting, early Early Cretaceous compression and late Early Cretaceous extension. Since the Cenozoic era, the Liupanshan Basin has been strongly compressed by the Qinghai Tibet Plateau growth, creating the current Liupanshan fold and thrust belt.

The Xishanmeiyao area of southeastern Beishan range, presents an opportunity for investigating the intracontinental deformation history of Central Asia region during the late Mesozoic era, which is of great significance to revealing the evolutionary history of Central Asian. Here, we conducted synthesis investigation of remote sensing image interpretation, field geological observation and structural analysis, and apatite (U−Th)/He (A−He) chronology to study the deformation characteristics and time in the Xishanmeiyao area. The study area exposes the Xishanmeiyao thrusts, which is characterized by the thrusted the late Carboniferous gabbro and Permian granite to the Middle Lower Jurassic Longfengshan Formation coal-bearing strata (J_1-2ln). A series of the NE direction imbricated thrust faults were developed with fault dip is 40°~50° in the footwall. The gabbro and granite klippen forming on the hang wall with the thrust nappe distance of ~10 km. The AHe data of the late Carboniferous gabbro record the 160~130 Ma cooling event, it is indicated that the area experienced near NE compression deformation during the late Middle Jurassic to early stage of Early Cretaceous, which may be the coupling result of the closure of Bangong−Nujiang ocean final in the southern and the Mongolia−Okhotsk Ocean in the northern margin of Asia. The AHe data of deformed Jurassic record the 120~100 Ma cooling event related the footwall exhumation during subsequent normal faulting, which may be the caused by the collapse of thickened crust. The tectonic inversion of the near E−W normal fault causing that the deformed Jurassic and overlying rocks were overlayed to the Lower Cretaceous, indicative of the weak compressive deformation after Late Cretaceous in the southern part of Beishan and overprinted the pre-existing compressive and extensional structures.

The northward collision and subduction of the Indian continental plate have led to the rapid uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. During the uplift process, the material composition and tectonic evolution are highly complicated in the plateau, and the distribution characteristics and tectonic origin of the low−velocity layer within the plateau are not clear. In this paper, we collected data from the northern stations of the Hi−Climb and used the receiver function complex spectral ratio−based nonlinear inversion method to obtain 1−D shear velocity structure. Combining previous geophysical research results, our result show that the shear−wave low−velocity layer in the lower crust beneath the profile is separated by the Shiquanhe−Namco Melange suture zone (SNMZ) and the Bangong−Nujiang suture zone (BNS), and distinctly differ from each other. This result indicates that the SNMZ is a deep fault zone between the Central and North Lhasa terranes, and also an important transition zone at the uppermost mantle. Low−velocity layer in the upper crust is mainly related to the surface geological structure and the distribution of sedimentary layers. Horizontal distribution of the low velocity layer in the middle and lower crust is not only constrained by terrane boundaries, such as SNMZ and BNS, but also related to the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau.

Detecting the fine structure of lithosphere in orogenic belt is the most effective means to explore orogeny and mineralisation. In 2019, the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences completed a 185−km−long deep seismic reflection profile from northwest to southeast, and five magnetotelluric sounding (broadband and audio) profiles with a total of 174 points in the Sungwu−Jinsong corridor belt in northwestern Heilongjiang Province. The results show that the depth of the Moho in the Duobaoshan ore concentration area is about 33 km (Two way traveltime 11s), showing an intermittent and traceable pattern. A set of subduction relict are identified in the middle and lower crust on the east side of the area, which shows that it is a reflection body that inclinates to the west and extends to the upper mantle, with a dip angle of 25 degrees, and is inferred to be the subduction relict of the Nenjiang Ocean. The characteristics of crust−mantle reflection are identified in the west side of the Duobaoshan ore concentration area, which is generally inclined to the east. It is indicated that the influence of the Mongolia−Okhotsk structure has reached the Heihe−Hegenshan suture. The upper crust of the Duobaoshan ore concentration area is confined to the "V" tectonic belt between Woduhe−Handaqi, and a series of strong reflection layers around 10 km in length are developed vertically in the middle and lower crust, which is interpreted as a residual magma channel. The high conductor in the lower crust of the Duobaoshan ore concentration area can extend to the mantle, and its high−conductivity anomaly C4 on it is distributed in the form of a mushroom cloud, and is spatially consistent with the location of the ore deposits, which indicates the intrusion of mantle−sourced materials. The overall velocity of the near−surface velocity structure of the Duobaoshan ore concentration area varies from 1900 m/s to 6100 m/s, and the high velocity body interface has a large undulation and a shallow depth, which is a favourable area for searching for concealed gold mines. Although the porphyry bodies of the Tongshan copper mine and the Duobaoshan copper mine are blocked by hidden faults, they are connected at deep depth, and there is still good resource potential within 2000 m underground. This study links the distribution of shallow deposits with the lithospheric structure, and provides a new vision for further study of the geological background of the Duobaoshan ore concentration area connected with the ancient crustal suture and the composite orogenic belt.

Natural gas has been discovered in the basement of the Paleozoic strata in the Sishen 1 well area of the Songliao Basin. However, the organic matter in the source rocks was in the over mature stage. Based on residual TOC and rock pyrolysis, the evaluation accuracy of source rock was reduced significantly, and it could result in erroneous assessments of the oil and gas exploration potential. A bulk of experimental data encompassing rock pyrolysis parameters, isotopic ratios of organic carbon, vitrinite reflectance, organic maceral components and multiple recovery methodologies were employed to restore the original organic matter content and hydrocarbon generation potential of the Paleozoic source rocks. The degradation rate method was selected as the most reliable recovery method based on the recovery results. Subsequently, the expulsion characteristics of the source rocks throughout the thermal maturation process were analyzed, leveraging the hydrocarbon potential method. The findings indicated that the majority kerogen type of Paleozoic source rocks in the Sishen 1 well area were classified as Type I and Type II₁. The average original total organic carbon (TOC) content was 2.56%, while the average original S₂ value was calculated to be 16.11 mg/g. Consequently, the quality of the original source rocks was good to excellent. According to the hydrocarbon expulsion curves of I and II₁ kerogen during thermal evolution, the Paleozoic source rocks in the Sishen 1 well area were found to have entered the hydrocarbon expulsion threshold during the Early Triassic (approximately 230 Ma), characterized by a vitrinite reflectance (R_o) value of 0.7%, and the peak of hydrocarbon expulsion was attained in the Late Triassic (approximately 210 Ma), with an R_o value of 1.1%. Oil accumulation was occurred from the Early Triassic to the Early Jurassic (approximately 230 Ma to 200 Ma), with an estimated expulsion volume of 416.423×10⁸ t. Then, gas generation was happened during the Middle to Late Jurassic (approximately 200 Ma to 165 Ma), with an expulsion volume recorded at 55.093×10⁸ t. The study has shown that that the Upper Paleozoic source rocks in the Sishen 1 well area have provided abundant source of hydrocarbons for the formation of oil and gas reservoirs.

Niutuozhen geothermal field is located in North China, one of China's most important medium−low temperature geothermal fields. To reveal the deep structure and the origin of the geothermal field, an E−W deep reflection seismic profile which is 40 km long and 250 times folded was aquired by the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences in 2020. The shallow strata feature in low porosity in Niutuozhen overlaid on the thermal reservoir, acts as a serviceable cap layer. Niutuozhen has a superior geothermal reservoir attributed to the evolved carbonate rocks, such as the Jixian System, and the Changcheng System, which feature high permeability. The deep−seated Niudong and Rongdong faults unequivocally extend to the basement and connect the deep thermal reservoir and shallow strata. They act as channels for the upward migration of hot water and the thermal convection process. The decollement within the crust at depths of 16 km to 20 km in the Niutuozhen Uplift serves as a thermal conductor and hydrological barrier, facilitating the conduction of heat from deeper sources to heat the reservoirs. In the seismic profile, the transparent zone revealed as intrusive bodies formed by the upwelling of the Early Paleogene asthenosphere, and the intrusive bodies extending from the lower crust below the Moho surface primarily cause the heat anomaly in the region. The shallow sedimentary cover, the Mesoproterozoic carbonatite reservoirs with well developed fracture, the conduction of water and heat through faults, the impermeable heat-conductive decollement within the crust, and the deep intrusive bodies providing a heat source, all these essential elements are combined to form the Niutuozhen geothermal field, which now has objective geothermal resources.

The South China Block (SCB) west of the eastern edge of the Qinghai−Tibetan Plateau (ETP) is both an important part of global tectonics and an area of extremely complex geological and tectonic evolution. The coupling relationship between the SCB and the ETP is currently highly controversial. The lithospheric thermal structure contains rich information on tectonic deformation, geological evolutionary processes and geodynamics, which can provide effective constraints for an in-depth understanding of the coupling relationship between the SCB and the ETP. The functional relationship between the depth of the Curie depth and the terrestrial heat flow data is used to obtain integrated terrestrial heat flow data and improve the spatial resolution of terrestrial heat flow data in the SCB. Then, the SCB’s reliable lithospheric thermal structure by the thermal steady-state conduction equation, integrated geodetic heat flow data, and the relationship between seismic S wave velocity and temperature. Analyses of crust-mantle heat flow distribution, Moho surface temperature and thermal lithospheric thickness in the lithospheric thermal structure show that the Cathaysia Block, the North China Plate, the northeastern part of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt and the eastern part of the Yangtze Block belong to the ‘cold crust-hot mantle’ structure, whereas the Sichuan Basin and the Songpan-Ganzi Block belong to the ‘hot crust-cold mantle’ structure. The northwesterly subduction and retreat of the Palaeo-Pacific Plate to the SCB may be responsible for the northwesterly to southeasterly rise/thickening of both the temperature and thermal lithosphere thickness trends at the Moho surface. The SCB and the ETP show opposite movement. In the shallow part of the crust, rigid blocks of the upper crust of the SGB collide with the YB to form the Longmenshan Fault Zone. In the deep part of the crust, the Western YB is affected by thermal erosion (The SGB high-temperature indicated the partial melting fluids and the upwelling of deep thermal material), resulting in the progressive dissipation of low-temperature stable craton properties.

The Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt is an important treasure trove of Fe−Cu polymetallic resources in China. Previous research results have shown that the lithospheric tectonic evolution of the metallogenic belt is the key to understand the entire mineralization process and to predict new deposits. However, there is still great controversy over the tectonic control on deep setting and process of magma−mineral system, including two kinds of understanding: ① lithospheric extension and lower crust melting caused by upper mantle convection; ② stress regime conversion and deep magmatic activity related to the subduction of the ancient Pacific plate. Moreover, this important geological issue still lacks constraints from geophysical deep exploration data. Therefore, based on the geophysical exploration data obtained by the "Deep Mineral Resources Exploration and Evaluation Innovation Team" of the Science and Technology Innovation Team of the Ministry of Natural Resources in the metallogenic belt, we analyze the results and geology−geophysics models of multi depth scale from upper mantle to most upper crust. Then we summarize and supplement the relevant understanding of the deep setting and process of mineralization in the metallogenic belt. Moreover, we, here, propose that the mantle material upwelling caused by the detachment of intracontinental subduction slab beneath the metallogenic belt controled the deep material sources and channel elements of the mineral system in the study area. Therefore, Fe−Cu mineral system was controlled by the stress regime conversion caused by slab sinking, and was formed in a variable tectonic setting over time, although there was a unified deep structure.

The Wuling fold−and−thrust belt, located along the eastern margin of the Yangtze block, is a significant linear tectonic belt shaped by the intra−continental compressional forces in South China. Understanding its formation mechanisms is crucial for advancing broader tectonic evolution of the region. This study examines the deep crustal architecture, deformation processes, and surface tectonics within the Wuling fold−and−thrust belt by integrating high−resolution geophysical imaging, detailed tectonic analysis, and recent numerical and analog modeling. The key findings are as follows: ① The pronounced gravity gradient belt across the Wuling Mountains is primarily controlled by structural and compositional variations at the crustal and lithospheric levels; ② The Neoproterozoic collision and subsequent amalgamation of the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks shaped the crustal structure, leading to the Moho undulation, break−off, imbrication, and other related features; ③ A low−velocity décollement layer, in combination with pre−existing regional faults, facilitated crustal decoupling and played a critical role in the structural evolution of the belt; ④ Far−field stresses from Paleo−Pacific plate subduction during the Late Mesozoic were the primary drivers of the observed fold−and−thrust deformation. These findings may offer new insights into knowledge on the intra−continental deformation mechanisms in South China and also contribute to refining tectonic models in other similar regions.

Mayang Basin in Hunan Province is located in the uplift area of Xuefeng Mountain, which is rich in geothermal resources. In order to understand the deep structure of the basin and analyze the source of geothermal resources, we uses the audio magnetotelluric and magnetotelluric profiles collected at the same point in the area to carry out 2D inversion. To ensure the reliability of the final electrical structure, firstly, based on the phase tensor, the qualitative analysis of the observation data, such as dimension discrimination and spindle azimuth statistics, is carried out to determine the tensor impedance rotation angle. Then, the two inversion strategies of adaptive regularization and L−curve regularization are compared. The forward and inversion trial of the simplified model proves that the results obtained by the L−curve strategy are more objective and real, and the electrical structure model of Mayang Basin is obtained by L−curve strategy inversion. Finally, combined with prior geological information, we identify the deep extension of the three faults, and believe that the deep high−resistance uplift area of the Mayang Basin roughly reflects the range of the basin’s crystalline basement uplift. The electrical model obtained by inversion shows that there is a large−scale high−conductivity area in the deep part of Mayang Basin, which is presumed to be partially melted thermal material that transmits heat upward as a deep heat source, and the high−resistance body in the shallow part serves as a caprock, which provides favorable conditions for geothermal preservation. The fracture between the two links the shallow and deep parts. Finally, a hot spring is formed at Mayang County. Our research shows that the belt also has a great prospect of geothermal resources.

Beishan orogenic belt is located in the southern margin of the Central Asian tectonic belt, where the Tarim Plate, North China Plate and Siberia Plate meet, which is the most significant area of the Phanerozoic continental crust accretion and transformation in the world, has become the key area for studying the process from subduction to final collage closure and intracontinental transformation of the Paleo−Asian Ocean, and the process of intracontinental transformation covers the complex process of intracontinental deformation, basin-mountain coupling and readjusting since Late Paleozoic, especially during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. Previous studies on the Beishan orogenic belt mainly focus on the early subduction and collision process, but the study on the intracontinental stage, especially the Indosinian tectonic process is relatively weak. In the field geological survey of the Heiyingshan area in the northern of the Beishan orogenic belt, we found the Early Paleozoic metamorphic sandstone-volcanic rocks thrust southward onto the carboniferous andesitic volcanic tuff and Triassic acid fused tuff, metamorphic sandstone. By studying the structural characteristics of the thrust system and the zircon U−Pb ages of the upper and lower strata volcanic rocks, it is proposed that the thrust system has nappe from north to south and shows the characteristics of the ‘flyover type’ superimposed structure. The new geochronological data indicate that the thrust nappe system is the result of intracontinental compression in Beishan orogenic belt during the Late Triassic (Late Indosinian). The identification and age determination of the Heiyingshan thrust nappe structure have important significance for a further understanding of the intracontinental tectonic evolution of the Beishan orogenic belt.

The Qaidam Basin is rich in oil, gas, and mineral resources. Its origin and evolutionary process, composition, and deep structural characteristics play a crucial role in geological research on the Qinghai−Tibetan Plateau. Considering that magentotelluric sounding as one of the vital methods to study the electrical structure of the lithosphere, it can provide significant support for basin dynamics, resource exploration and deposit genesis research. To better analyze the tectonic significance of the key electrical layers in the lithosphere of the Qaidam Basin, we conducted a (ultra−) broadband magnetotelluric sounding line about 255 km long from the Youquanzi to the Huahaizi in the western Qaidam Basin, which obtained a 2D profile, and including the combination with regional geological, the existing geochemical and geophysical research results. In the western Qaidam Basin, two Cenozoic electrical layers with different deformation strength developed in the upper and lower strata. The upper electrical layers with weak deformation contains a set of ultra−low resistivity layers lower than 2 Ω·m, which corresponds to the high−quality brine layer in the deep basin, indicating a good prospect of deep brine prospecting. But the deformation of the lower electrical layer is relatively strong, and a set of growing electrical layer can be seen at the bottom. We considered that the existence of the main Qaidam detachment fault in the deep part controlled the Cenozoic sedimentary and tectonic deformation of the basin at the beginning of the Cenozoic. There are significant differences in the deep electrical structure of the research area, with a high and low undulating electrical Moho surface located about 50 kilometers deep. The deep parts of Qaidam Basin and Suganhu Basin are dominated by medium−low resistance bodies. The Saishiteng Mountain area is rooted with high resistivity body, while the middle and lower crust of the Youquanzi alkali mountain area is a set of low resistance bodies. There may be an upwelling of asthenosphere material in the deep of the Kunteyi area.

Helanshan tectonic belt is a typical intracontinental contractional deformation area of the western North China Craton since the Mesozoic. Based on the analysis and inversion of magnetotelluric data collected in the field, the deep electrical structure of the Helanshan tectonic belt was obtained. The results reveal that the Helanshan tectonic belt develops the thrust−nappe structure in the upper crust, and there are intact and thick crustal roots in the middle and lower crust. The magnetotelluric sounding profile shows that there is a low resistivity channel upwelling to the NW of the Helanshan tectonic belt, and there are mantle material upwelling characteristics in the Yinchuan Garben and Ordos Bain in the southeast. The Helanshan tectonic belt of the Late Jurassic WNW—ESE compressive fold−thrust belt and the Cretaceous tectonic uplift process are related to the subduction of the Western Pacific Plate, which records the early upwelling of deep mantle material in the NW direction. Controlling by the Cenozoic Western Pacific Plate subduction and rollback and the Tibetan Plateau growth northward, the adjacent area of the Helanshan tectonic belt deep mantle material upwelling into the crust. Then, the Ordos Basin deep lithosphere thinned, forming the present basin and mountain tectonic pattern.

The Liupanshan Basin has undergone multi−processes such as Early Paleozoic craton carbonate platform, Paleozoic marine to terrestrial, and Mesozoic lacustrine environment, developing three sets of hydrocarbon source rocks: Carboniferous, Triassic−Jurassic, and Cretaceous. It is one of the potential target areas for new hydrocarbon exploration. However, located in such a critical tectonic location, Liupanshan basin is affected by the interaction of multiple blocks such as the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, Alxa, and Ordos. It has undergone multiple tectonic periods, developed numerous folds and faults, and undergone high modifications in crustal structure and basin properties, seriously hindering the hydrocarbon evaluation and target zones selection. Based on this, this study uses three key seismic profiles from the Liupanshan area and comprehensively analyzes the basin mountain evolution process. The main processes include early Mesozoic (Triassic/Jurassic) local extensional faulting, early Early Cretaceous compression and late Early Cretaceous extension. Since the Cenozoic era, the Liupanshan Basin has been strongly compressed by the Qinghai Tibet Plateau growth, creating the current Liupanshan fold and thrust belt.

The Xishanmeiyao area of southeastern Beishan range, presents an opportunity for investigating the intracontinental deformation history of Central Asia region during the late Mesozoic era, which is of great significance to revealing the evolutionary history of Central Asian. Here, we conducted synthesis investigation of remote sensing image interpretation, field geological observation and structural analysis, and apatite (U−Th)/He (A−He) chronology to study the deformation characteristics and time in the Xishanmeiyao area. The study area exposes the Xishanmeiyao thrusts, which is characterized by the thrusted the late Carboniferous gabbro and Permian granite to the Middle Lower Jurassic Longfengshan Formation coal-bearing strata (J_1-2ln). A series of the NE direction imbricated thrust faults were developed with fault dip is 40°~50° in the footwall. The gabbro and granite klippen forming on the hang wall with the thrust nappe distance of ~10 km. The AHe data of the late Carboniferous gabbro record the 160~130 Ma cooling event, it is indicated that the area experienced near NE compression deformation during the late Middle Jurassic to early stage of Early Cretaceous, which may be the coupling result of the closure of Bangong−Nujiang ocean final in the southern and the Mongolia−Okhotsk Ocean in the northern margin of Asia. The AHe data of deformed Jurassic record the 120~100 Ma cooling event related the footwall exhumation during subsequent normal faulting, which may be the caused by the collapse of thickened crust. The tectonic inversion of the near E−W normal fault causing that the deformed Jurassic and overlying rocks were overlayed to the Lower Cretaceous, indicative of the weak compressive deformation after Late Cretaceous in the southern part of Beishan and overprinted the pre-existing compressive and extensional structures.

The northward collision and subduction of the Indian continental plate have led to the rapid uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. During the uplift process, the material composition and tectonic evolution are highly complicated in the plateau, and the distribution characteristics and tectonic origin of the low−velocity layer within the plateau are not clear. In this paper, we collected data from the northern stations of the Hi−Climb and used the receiver function complex spectral ratio−based nonlinear inversion method to obtain 1−D shear velocity structure. Combining previous geophysical research results, our result show that the shear−wave low−velocity layer in the lower crust beneath the profile is separated by the Shiquanhe−Namco Melange suture zone (SNMZ) and the Bangong−Nujiang suture zone (BNS), and distinctly differ from each other. This result indicates that the SNMZ is a deep fault zone between the Central and North Lhasa terranes, and also an important transition zone at the uppermost mantle. Low−velocity layer in the upper crust is mainly related to the surface geological structure and the distribution of sedimentary layers. Horizontal distribution of the low velocity layer in the middle and lower crust is not only constrained by terrane boundaries, such as SNMZ and BNS, but also related to the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau.

Detecting the fine structure of lithosphere in orogenic belt is the most effective means to explore orogeny and mineralisation. In 2019, the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences completed a 185−km−long deep seismic reflection profile from northwest to southeast, and five magnetotelluric sounding (broadband and audio) profiles with a total of 174 points in the Sungwu−Jinsong corridor belt in northwestern Heilongjiang Province. The results show that the depth of the Moho in the Duobaoshan ore concentration area is about 33 km (Two way traveltime 11s), showing an intermittent and traceable pattern. A set of subduction relict are identified in the middle and lower crust on the east side of the area, which shows that it is a reflection body that inclinates to the west and extends to the upper mantle, with a dip angle of 25 degrees, and is inferred to be the subduction relict of the Nenjiang Ocean. The characteristics of crust−mantle reflection are identified in the west side of the Duobaoshan ore concentration area, which is generally inclined to the east. It is indicated that the influence of the Mongolia−Okhotsk structure has reached the Heihe−Hegenshan suture. The upper crust of the Duobaoshan ore concentration area is confined to the "V" tectonic belt between Woduhe−Handaqi, and a series of strong reflection layers around 10 km in length are developed vertically in the middle and lower crust, which is interpreted as a residual magma channel. The high conductor in the lower crust of the Duobaoshan ore concentration area can extend to the mantle, and its high−conductivity anomaly C4 on it is distributed in the form of a mushroom cloud, and is spatially consistent with the location of the ore deposits, which indicates the intrusion of mantle−sourced materials. The overall velocity of the near−surface velocity structure of the Duobaoshan ore concentration area varies from 1900 m/s to 6100 m/s, and the high velocity body interface has a large undulation and a shallow depth, which is a favourable area for searching for concealed gold mines. Although the porphyry bodies of the Tongshan copper mine and the Duobaoshan copper mine are blocked by hidden faults, they are connected at deep depth, and there is still good resource potential within 2000 m underground. This study links the distribution of shallow deposits with the lithospheric structure, and provides a new vision for further study of the geological background of the Duobaoshan ore concentration area connected with the ancient crustal suture and the composite orogenic belt.

Natural gas has been discovered in the basement of the Paleozoic strata in the Sishen 1 well area of the Songliao Basin. However, the organic matter in the source rocks was in the over mature stage. Based on residual TOC and rock pyrolysis, the evaluation accuracy of source rock was reduced significantly, and it could result in erroneous assessments of the oil and gas exploration potential. A bulk of experimental data encompassing rock pyrolysis parameters, isotopic ratios of organic carbon, vitrinite reflectance, organic maceral components and multiple recovery methodologies were employed to restore the original organic matter content and hydrocarbon generation potential of the Paleozoic source rocks. The degradation rate method was selected as the most reliable recovery method based on the recovery results. Subsequently, the expulsion characteristics of the source rocks throughout the thermal maturation process were analyzed, leveraging the hydrocarbon potential method. The findings indicated that the majority kerogen type of Paleozoic source rocks in the Sishen 1 well area were classified as Type I and Type II₁. The average original total organic carbon (TOC) content was 2.56%, while the average original S₂ value was calculated to be 16.11 mg/g. Consequently, the quality of the original source rocks was good to excellent. According to the hydrocarbon expulsion curves of I and II₁ kerogen during thermal evolution, the Paleozoic source rocks in the Sishen 1 well area were found to have entered the hydrocarbon expulsion threshold during the Early Triassic (approximately 230 Ma), characterized by a vitrinite reflectance (R_o) value of 0.7%, and the peak of hydrocarbon expulsion was attained in the Late Triassic (approximately 210 Ma), with an R_o value of 1.1%. Oil accumulation was occurred from the Early Triassic to the Early Jurassic (approximately 230 Ma to 200 Ma), with an estimated expulsion volume of 416.423×10⁸ t. Then, gas generation was happened during the Middle to Late Jurassic (approximately 200 Ma to 165 Ma), with an expulsion volume recorded at 55.093×10⁸ t. The study has shown that that the Upper Paleozoic source rocks in the Sishen 1 well area have provided abundant source of hydrocarbons for the formation of oil and gas reservoirs.

Niutuozhen geothermal field is located in North China, one of China's most important medium−low temperature geothermal fields. To reveal the deep structure and the origin of the geothermal field, an E−W deep reflection seismic profile which is 40 km long and 250 times folded was aquired by the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences in 2020. The shallow strata feature in low porosity in Niutuozhen overlaid on the thermal reservoir, acts as a serviceable cap layer. Niutuozhen has a superior geothermal reservoir attributed to the evolved carbonate rocks, such as the Jixian System, and the Changcheng System, which feature high permeability. The deep−seated Niudong and Rongdong faults unequivocally extend to the basement and connect the deep thermal reservoir and shallow strata. They act as channels for the upward migration of hot water and the thermal convection process. The decollement within the crust at depths of 16 km to 20 km in the Niutuozhen Uplift serves as a thermal conductor and hydrological barrier, facilitating the conduction of heat from deeper sources to heat the reservoirs. In the seismic profile, the transparent zone revealed as intrusive bodies formed by the upwelling of the Early Paleogene asthenosphere, and the intrusive bodies extending from the lower crust below the Moho surface primarily cause the heat anomaly in the region. The shallow sedimentary cover, the Mesoproterozoic carbonatite reservoirs with well developed fracture, the conduction of water and heat through faults, the impermeable heat-conductive decollement within the crust, and the deep intrusive bodies providing a heat source, all these essential elements are combined to form the Niutuozhen geothermal field, which now has objective geothermal resources.

The South China Block (SCB) west of the eastern edge of the Qinghai−Tibetan Plateau (ETP) is both an important part of global tectonics and an area of extremely complex geological and tectonic evolution. The coupling relationship between the SCB and the ETP is currently highly controversial. The lithospheric thermal structure contains rich information on tectonic deformation, geological evolutionary processes and geodynamics, which can provide effective constraints for an in-depth understanding of the coupling relationship between the SCB and the ETP. The functional relationship between the depth of the Curie depth and the terrestrial heat flow data is used to obtain integrated terrestrial heat flow data and improve the spatial resolution of terrestrial heat flow data in the SCB. Then, the SCB’s reliable lithospheric thermal structure by the thermal steady-state conduction equation, integrated geodetic heat flow data, and the relationship between seismic S wave velocity and temperature. Analyses of crust-mantle heat flow distribution, Moho surface temperature and thermal lithospheric thickness in the lithospheric thermal structure show that the Cathaysia Block, the North China Plate, the northeastern part of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt and the eastern part of the Yangtze Block belong to the ‘cold crust-hot mantle’ structure, whereas the Sichuan Basin and the Songpan-Ganzi Block belong to the ‘hot crust-cold mantle’ structure. The northwesterly subduction and retreat of the Palaeo-Pacific Plate to the SCB may be responsible for the northwesterly to southeasterly rise/thickening of both the temperature and thermal lithosphere thickness trends at the Moho surface. The SCB and the ETP show opposite movement. In the shallow part of the crust, rigid blocks of the upper crust of the SGB collide with the YB to form the Longmenshan Fault Zone. In the deep part of the crust, the Western YB is affected by thermal erosion (The SGB high-temperature indicated the partial melting fluids and the upwelling of deep thermal material), resulting in the progressive dissipation of low-temperature stable craton properties.

The Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt is an important treasure trove of Fe−Cu polymetallic resources in China. Previous research results have shown that the lithospheric tectonic evolution of the metallogenic belt is the key to understand the entire mineralization process and to predict new deposits. However, there is still great controversy over the tectonic control on deep setting and process of magma−mineral system, including two kinds of understanding: ① lithospheric extension and lower crust melting caused by upper mantle convection; ② stress regime conversion and deep magmatic activity related to the subduction of the ancient Pacific plate. Moreover, this important geological issue still lacks constraints from geophysical deep exploration data. Therefore, based on the geophysical exploration data obtained by the "Deep Mineral Resources Exploration and Evaluation Innovation Team" of the Science and Technology Innovation Team of the Ministry of Natural Resources in the metallogenic belt, we analyze the results and geology−geophysics models of multi depth scale from upper mantle to most upper crust. Then we summarize and supplement the relevant understanding of the deep setting and process of mineralization in the metallogenic belt. Moreover, we, here, propose that the mantle material upwelling caused by the detachment of intracontinental subduction slab beneath the metallogenic belt controled the deep material sources and channel elements of the mineral system in the study area. Therefore, Fe−Cu mineral system was controlled by the stress regime conversion caused by slab sinking, and was formed in a variable tectonic setting over time, although there was a unified deep structure.

The Wuling fold−and−thrust belt, located along the eastern margin of the Yangtze block, is a significant linear tectonic belt shaped by the intra−continental compressional forces in South China. Understanding its formation mechanisms is crucial for advancing broader tectonic evolution of the region. This study examines the deep crustal architecture, deformation processes, and surface tectonics within the Wuling fold−and−thrust belt by integrating high−resolution geophysical imaging, detailed tectonic analysis, and recent numerical and analog modeling. The key findings are as follows: ① The pronounced gravity gradient belt across the Wuling Mountains is primarily controlled by structural and compositional variations at the crustal and lithospheric levels; ② The Neoproterozoic collision and subsequent amalgamation of the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks shaped the crustal structure, leading to the Moho undulation, break−off, imbrication, and other related features; ③ A low−velocity décollement layer, in combination with pre−existing regional faults, facilitated crustal decoupling and played a critical role in the structural evolution of the belt; ④ Far−field stresses from Paleo−Pacific plate subduction during the Late Mesozoic were the primary drivers of the observed fold−and−thrust deformation. These findings may offer new insights into knowledge on the intra−continental deformation mechanisms in South China and also contribute to refining tectonic models in other similar regions.

Mayang Basin in Hunan Province is located in the uplift area of Xuefeng Mountain, which is rich in geothermal resources. In order to understand the deep structure of the basin and analyze the source of geothermal resources, we uses the audio magnetotelluric and magnetotelluric profiles collected at the same point in the area to carry out 2D inversion. To ensure the reliability of the final electrical structure, firstly, based on the phase tensor, the qualitative analysis of the observation data, such as dimension discrimination and spindle azimuth statistics, is carried out to determine the tensor impedance rotation angle. Then, the two inversion strategies of adaptive regularization and L−curve regularization are compared. The forward and inversion trial of the simplified model proves that the results obtained by the L−curve strategy are more objective and real, and the electrical structure model of Mayang Basin is obtained by L−curve strategy inversion. Finally, combined with prior geological information, we identify the deep extension of the three faults, and believe that the deep high−resistance uplift area of the Mayang Basin roughly reflects the range of the basin’s crystalline basement uplift. The electrical model obtained by inversion shows that there is a large−scale high−conductivity area in the deep part of Mayang Basin, which is presumed to be partially melted thermal material that transmits heat upward as a deep heat source, and the high−resistance body in the shallow part serves as a caprock, which provides favorable conditions for geothermal preservation. The fracture between the two links the shallow and deep parts. Finally, a hot spring is formed at Mayang County. Our research shows that the belt also has a great prospect of geothermal resources.