The emergence of plate
tectonics theory in the 1960's marks one of the most important revolutions in the history of geological
studies. It provides a complete and thorough new understanding of the crust movement and evolution. When many geologists and geophysicists all over the world were shifted to focus their attention on this new theory and great advances Were made, however, most of the Chinese geologists had been crucially deprived of the right to do researches on this line by the so-called 'Cultural Revolution', so that plate
tectonics theory was a totally strange field to them during that time. In the early 1970's the late Prof. Yin Zanxun, a well-known paleontologist and stratigrapher, published a series of papers to introduce the basic principles of this theory. At that time, Prof. Yin was already at retired age with very difficult research and life conditions, he systematically did library researches, reviewed the most important literatures in this field and wrote down twenty notebooks and thousands of information cards. He undoubtedly and completely grasped the essence of this theory and clearly mentioned that the new emerging.plate tectonics theory begins to tackle materials beneath the crust and to speculate on the properties of the inner spherical layers of the earth. He also correctly indicated that continental drift, sea floor spreading and plate tectonics mark the big step of the present century study of geology in its long march toward a comprehensive understanding of our planet.Meanwhile, Prof. Yin indicated that the plate tectonics theory results from the
collaboration of a host of sciences and technologies, chiefly geophysics and geology.Further advances require closer collaboration of these and other disciplines in the elucidation of the present state and the origin and evolution of the whole Earth, including the solid Earth, the atmosphere and the hydrosphere. Today, China has become one of the most active countries in some important international collaboration programmes, for example, the lithosphere programme and global change programme, and a great number of contributions to these fields have been made. It should always be kept in our mind that today's progresses in China's plate tectonics studies.., are closely related to Prof. Yin's efforts. Professor Yin Zanxun will be alive in our hearts forever.