Ongoing Lithospheric Alteration of the North China Craton Revealed by Surface‐Wave Tomography and Geodetic Observations.

The North China Craton (NCC) is renowned for cratonic reactivation and dramatic destruction. Detailed lithospheric structure is crucial for understanding the geological evolution and seismogenesis of the NCC. We imaged the lithospheric structure of the central and eastern NCC with ambient noise and teleseismic surface wave tomography. Our new model unveils remarkable N‐S variation in the lithospheric structure. An E‐W elongated lithospheric weak zone, coinciding with contemporary left‐lateral shearing revealed by geodetic observation, occupies the northern central and eastern NCC. Our model suggests that radical destruction of the eastern NCC in the late Mesozoic facilitated the late‐Cenozoic shearing induced by the continuous India‐Eurasia convergence. The late‐Cenozoic shearing progressively altered the pre‐thinned lithosphere accompanied by asthenospheric upwelling and strong seismic activity. Our results suggest a transition from the Pacific subduction dominating tectonic regime to the India‐Asia collision dominating lithospheric deformation framework in the Cenozoic and ongoing lithospheric alteration of the NCC. Plain Language Summary: The NCC is one of the oldest cratons in China and a typical example of cratonic reactivation. The NCC experienced significant destruction since the Mesozoic with conspicuous internal deformation and seismic activity within the central and eastern NCC. The fine lithospheric structure is essential for our understanding of the geological evolution of the ancient craton. We imaged the lithospheric structure of the central and eastern NCC with ambient noise and teleseismic surface wave tomography. Our results reveal complicated lithospheric structure due to the superposition of multi‐stage lithospheric modification. In addition to the predominant Mesozoic‐Cenozoic cratonic destruction, Cenozoic shearing of the lithosphere, induced by the far‐field effect of the India‐Asia collision, also has a profound influence on the present lithospheric structure and regional seismicity. These new results benefit our understanding of the evolution of the NCC in the Cenozoic and the genetic mechanism of regional seismic hazards. Key Points: High‐resolution lithospheric structure of the central and eastern North China Craton (NCC)Significant N‐S variations in lithospheric strength and seismicity within the NCCTransition of the deformation style and ongoing lithospheric destruction of the NCC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]