ABSTRACT
Regional geophysical studies made a fundamental contribution to the recognition of basement tectonics in continental China. The gravity trend patterns and the magnetic features are used to map the Precambrian basement. The extensive paired gravity anomalies, separating terranes with contrasting structural characteristics, afford a method for identifying the location of a suture and the associated subduction direction. Geophysical transects across several suture zones support this evidence. The regional isostatic gravity anomalies and free air gravity anomalies provide insight into the large scale crustal structure and the contemporary plate dynamics.
