Cenozoic two-phase topographic growth of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau derived from two thermochronologic transects across the southern Qilian Shan thrust belt

Illite K‐Ar Dating of the Leibo Fault Zone, Southeastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau: Implications for the Quasi‐Synchronous Far‐Field Tectonic Response to the India‐Asia Collision

“…Our critical inference of the far‐field tectonic response to the India‐Asia collision along the SEMTP is supported by numerous contemporaneous geological events (∼65–50 Ma) reported around the Tibetan Plateau (Figure 1b). These events include: (a) onset of the WQF (Clark et al., 2010; Duvall et al., 2011) and the Altyn Tagh fault (Yin et al., 2002); (b) initiation of metamorphism near the Sagaing fault recording a high pressure‐low temperature oceanic subduction‐continental collision tectonic event (Min et al., 2022; Morishita et al., 2023); and (c) rapid cooling events in the SEMTP (Liu‐Zeng et al., 2018), Qilian Shan (He et al., 2022), Tian Shan (De Grave et al., 2011; Jolivet et al., 2010) and Pamir (Cao et al., 2013; see Figure S1b and Table S1 in Supporting Information for more details). Given that the late Cretaceous‐early Cenozoic climate of the East Asia was subtropical arid/semiarid (Wu et al., 2022), these rapid cooling events are more likely to be attributed to tectonic uplift/exhumation rather than rapid erosion caused by rainfall.…”

“…By contrast, some previous studies suggest that tectonic strain is likely to be transmitted to the far‐field, present‐day plateau margin, simultaneously with the continental collision. For example, the northern and northeastern boundaries of the Tibetan Plateau were interpreted to have been established by 60–45 Ma (e.g., Clark et al., 2010; Duvall et al., 2011; He et al., 2022; Yin et al., 2002), indicating far‐field strain transmission synchronous with the initial India‐Asia collision. These interpretations are consistent with numerous rapid cooling events around the Tibetan Plateau margin, synchronous with the initial collision (Figure 1b; Figure S1b and Table S1 in Supporting Information ).…”

Quantifying the long‐term slip rate of Liupan Shan thrust fault through the low‐temperature thermochronology

“…As shown in Figure 8a, the Early Cenozoic deformation has been documented in many localities along the NE Tibetan Plateau and adjacent areas, such as the East Kunlun Shan (e.g., Clark et al, 2010; Duvall et al, 2013; Li et al, 2021; Wang et al, 2017), North Qaidam thrust system (e.g., Cheng et al, 2016; He et al, 2018, 2022; Jolivet et al, 2001); Qian Shan (e.g., An et al, 2020; He et al, 2017; Li et al, 2020; Qi et al, 2016; Wu, Li, & Ding, 2021; Wu, Zuza, et al, 2021), the West Qinling Fault (e.g., Clark et al, 2010; Duvall et al, 2011), and some areas without our study (e.g., Liu et al, 2017; Wu et al, 2020). Furthermore, the enhanced sedimentation rates and clockwise rotation of the Xining‐Lanzhou Basin also imply deformation not long after collision (e.g., Dai et al, 2006; Dupont‐Nivet et al, 2004).…”

“…Topographic map of NE Tibetan Plateau with major faults and initial deformation timing in (a) Palaeocene to Eocene and (b) early‐late Miocene (modified from Wang et al, 2020; Yu, Zheng, et al, 2019; Yuan et al, 2013). The deformation timing data are derived from: [1]‐Duvall et al, 2013; [2]‐Wang et al, 2017; [3]‐Clark et al, 2010; [4]‐Li et al, 2021; [5]‐Duvall et al, 2011; [6]‐Wang et al, 2016; [7]‐Lease et al, 2011; [8]‐Dupont‐Nivet et al, 2004; [9]‐Dai et al, 2006; [10]‐Zhang et al, 2015; [11]‐Wu, Li, & Ding, 2021, Wu, Zuza, et al, 2021; [12]‐Qi et al, 2016; [13]‐Li et al, 2020; [14]‐He et al, 2017; [15]‐An et al, 2020; [16]‐Jolivet et al, 2001; [17]‐Yin et al, 2002; [18]‐He et al, 2022; [19]‐Cheng et al, 2016; [20]‐He et al, 2018; [21]‐Zheng et al, 2006; [22]‐Lin et al, 2010; [23]‐Wang et al, 2011; [24]‐Peng et al, 2019; [25]‐Yan et al, 2006; [26]‐Craddock et al, 2011; [27]‐Zhang et al, 2012; [28]‐Yuan et al, 2011; [29]‐Lu et al, 2012; [30]‐Pang et al, 2019; [31]‐Fang et al, 2007; [32]‐Yu, Pang, et al, 2019; [36]‐Zhuang et al, 2018; [37]‐Yuan et al, 2013; [38]‐Zheng et al, 2017; [39]‐Pang et al, 2019; [40]‐Wang et al, 2020; [41]‐Li, Chen, et al, 2019; [42]‐Wu, Li, & Ding, 2021. DCH, Dulan‐Chaka Highland; GNS, Gonghe Nan Shan; JS, Jishi Shan; LPTF, Liupan Shan thrust fault; QNS, Qinghai Nan Shan; SKB, Sikouzi Basin; XB, Xunhua Basin…”

The Late Cenozoic crustal deformation in the northeastern periphery of the Qaidam Basin, northwest China

“…The timing of the initial uplift in the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau during the Cenozoic era has sparked significant controversy. The first view proposes that tectonic activity in this region began during the Eocene epoch, with simultaneous growth of the plateau across a vast area extending from the Himalayas to the Qilian Shan immediately after India–Eurasia collision (Bush et al, 2016; Clark et al, 2010; Dai et al, 2006; Dupont‐Nivet et al, 2004; Duvall et al, 2011; Fang et al, 2003; Fang et al, 2013; Fang, Fang, et al, 2019; He et al, 2021, 2022; He, Song, et al, 2017; Horton et al, 2004; Li, Zuza, et al, 2020; Song et al, 2019, 2020; Staisch et al, 2020; Tian et al, 2020; Yin et al, 2002; Yin, Dang, Chen, et al, 2007; Yin & Harrison, 2000; Yuan et al, 2006). Consequently, stress resulting from this collision was promptly transferred to its northeastern boundary.…”