Multi-phase deformation in the Qixingtai region of Western Shandong Province: insights into the Neoarchean tectonic evolution of the eastern North China Craton

The Neoarchean era marks a pivotal period in Earth's tectonic evolution and continental crust formation. In this context, crustal architecture and structural patterns serve as key indicators for reconstructing Neoarchean geodynamic processes. The Western Shandong Province (WSP) granite-greenstone belt, located in the North China Craton (NCC), preserves well-exposed Neoarchean rock assemblages and provides valuable insights into the Neoarchean tectonics. In this study, we conducted systematic geological mapping and detailed structural analysis, integrated with LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb geochronology, in the Qixingtai region of the WSP. Three stages of compressional deformation (D1 to D3) were identified. The earliest deformation D1, predating ∼2663 Ma, is characterized by NW-SE-trending, sub-vertically penetrative S1 foliation in early Neoarchean supracrustal rocks and TTG rocks, indicating an initial NE-SW compressional regime. This was followed by a regional extension during 2.60-2.55 Ga and deposition of the Shancaoyu Formation during 2.55-2.52 Ga. The subsequent deformation D2 (∼2520-2514 Ma) progressively overprinted earlier structures and generated NW-SE-trending upright isoclinal folds in late Neoarchean supracrustal and TTG rocks, indicating a consistent and prolonged compressive stress field. The last deformation D3, occurring around ∼2500 Ma, resulted in the development of ductile shear zones of variable scales along the major lithological boundaries and generated regional L-S tectonites with near-vertical foliation and horizontal lineation. Our results suggest that the WSP experienced a long-lasting NE–SW compressive stress field throughout the Neoarchean but lacks diagnostic features of typical subduction or collisional belts. Combined with previous studies, we propose a tectonic model for the tectonic evolution of the Qixingtai area. This area initially developed from an oceanic plateau in the early Neoarchean, experienced regional extension in the middle Neoarchean, and ultimately underwent extensive magmatism and horizontal shortening during the late Neoarchean.