Geochronological Framework and Geodynamic Implications of Mafic Magmatism in the Liaodong Peninsula and Adjacent Regions, North China Craton

Mafic rocks are widespread on the Liaodong Peninsula and adjacent regions of the North China Craton. The majority of this magmatism was originally thought to have occurred during the Pre‐Sinian, although the precise geochronological framework of this magmatism was unclear. Here, we present the results of more than 60 U‐Pb analyses of samples performed over the past decade, with the aim of determining the spatial and temporal distribution of mafic magmatism in this area. These data indicate that Paleoproterozoic–Mesoproterozoic mafic rocks are not as widely distributed as previously thought The combined geochronological data enabled the subdivision of the mafic magmatism into six episodes that occurred during the middle Paleoproterozoic, the late Paleoproterozoic, the Mesoproterozoic, the Late Triassic, the Middle Jurassic, and the Early Cretaceous. The middle Paleoproterozoic (2.1–2.2 Ga) mafic rocks formed in a subduction‐related setting and were subsequently metamorphosed during a ca. 1.9 Ga arc–continent collision event The late Paleoproterozoic (ca. 1.87–1.82 Ga) bimodal igneous rocks mark the end of a Paleoproterozoic tectonothermal event, whereas Mesoproterozoic mafic dike swarms record global‐scale Mesoproterozoic rifting associated with the final breakup of the Columbia supercontinent The Late Triassic mafic magmatism is part of a Late Triassic magmatic belt that was generated by post‐collisional extension. The Middle Jurassic mafic dikes formed in a compressive tectonic setting, and the Early Cretaceous bimodal igneous rocks formed in an extensional setting similar to a back‐arc basin. These latter two periods of magmatism were possibly related to subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific plate.