From the polycyclicity theory to open-and-close tectonics

Professor Huang Jiqing (T. K. Huang) put forward the concept of polycyclic tectonic movement which was developed into the polycyclicity theory that is influential all over the world. This paper outlines the basics of this theory.

The present author tries to distinguish between two kinds of polycyclic tectonic movements: in situ superimposition and recurrence in other places according to whether or not they recur at the same place. Further study on the latter led to the concept of tectonic migration. Tectonic migration is the vivid representation of the recurrence of polycyclic movements, an in-depth development of the polycyclicity theory.

Applying the plate tectonics theory to the practical geology of China, Huang set up the accordion movement model of plate movement, which has enriched plate tectonics theory and polycyclicity theory. Based on this pioneer's research, the present author has proposed the concept of open-and-close tectonics, interrelating the polycyclicity theory, accordion movement, tectonic migration and plate tectonics, and attempts to find a new way in the study of geotectonics.

From the polycyclicity theory through the tectonic migration theory to open-and-close tectonics, one can trace the trajectory of the polycyclicity theory and see its development, with the open-and-close tectonics (OC tectonics) being a milestone in the development of the polycyclicity theory.