Earth surface system and research history of the regional geotectonics of China

Both the earth surface system and the history of geology have the characteristics of interfacing between natural and social sciences. The content and the aim of research on these two fields are related each other. They reveal from different view points the objective regularities of various geological functions and geological processes to promote the harmonic development between humans and nature. Among all the geological disciplines of Earth surface system, regional tectonics occupies an important position. Therefore the discussion on the research history of the regional tectonics in China is significant in the study of the history of geology. The paper delineates the 6 research stages for the regional tectonics in China, summarizes experiences and progressions, and indicates that the social environment, guidelines in the scientific research, the level of contemporary science and technology and the way of thinking are the key factors determining the development of the scientific research. In the 21st century, earth surface system becomes one of the major research fields in the earth sciences. The research of regional tectonics in China has to merge with the study of earth surface system.