Phanerozoic cratonization by plume welding

Deformation-resistant cratons comprise >60% of the continental landmass on Earth. Because they were formed mostly in Archean to Mesoproterozoic, it remains unclear if cratonization was a process unique early We address this question by presenting an integrated geological-geophysical data set from Tarim region central Asia. This shows that deformable domain Proterozoic Paleozoic, but deformation ceased after emplacement Permian plume despite fact continued north and south due closure Paleo-Asian Tethyan Oceans. interpret spatiotemporal correlation indicate plume-driven welding earlier continents formation Tarim’s stable cratonic lithosphere. Our work highlights Phanerozoic implies mantle plumes may have significantly contributed development