| Abstract: | The aim of this study is to discuss the chronostratigraphy, catastrophic event stratigraphy, biostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy of Neoproterozoic. In the eastern part of the North China, the Neoproterozoic consists of Qingbaikou System (1 000-800 Ma) and Sinian System (800-600 Ma). The Qingbaikou System is widely distributed over the whole area and the Sinian System only in the eastern and southern parts of the plate. In this paper, we discuss the age limit of the formations, and try to establish the Neoproterozoic chronostratigraphic frame, the ages of which are partly based on recently obtained carbonate whole-rock Pb-Pb isotope. Based on the event records of ancient earthquake, which are well developed in Sinian carbonates, "a vibrational liquefaction seismic sequence" in carbonate rocks is established. We propose a time correlation for the Sinian formation in eastern North China, on the bases of event records of earthquake in combination with biostratigraphy, and thus revise the traditional correlation scheme that has been used for nearly 30 years. Some biostratigraphic results were obtained in fossil microplants, megafossils and metazoans in North China. A large amount of big double layered and complex ornamented acritarchs are found in Qingbaikou and Sinian systems. On the basis of the correlation by earthquake events, the Huainan fauna is regarded as Late Sinian, probably between 700 Ma and 600 Ma. Altogether 16 depositional sequences are distinguished in the Neoproterozoic, with an average time interval of about 15-16 Ma. |
