On the basis of a synthesis of tectonic data available on the India‐Asia collision, we present a first attempt to reconstruct the evolution of the collision zone. Assuming that the deformation of the ...lithosphere is localized along narrow shear zones and that the interiors of mantle blocks in between remain relatively undeformed, we define block contours from the fault pattern and move back the blocks along their boundary faults. Along convergent or extensional boundaries, the crust is assumed to shorten or stretch coherently. Step‐by‐step, we go backward in time to finally reach the collision onset. For each time step, we find a solution compatible with the data set available and the position of the adjacent blocks for each block. The search for compatibility at the scale of the entire collision zone allows for solving the kinematics of regions with fewer data and suggests plausible scenarios for regions where data is lacking. For each step, we calculate large‐scale displacement maps, and determine Euler poles for each block. For the most recent time step, the map proposed is compared to GPS motions. The deformation budget implies that extrusion absorbed ∼30% of the convergence between India and Siberia during the entire collision span, but varied with time, accounting for as little as 3% or as much as 60% of this convergence at different epochs.
To test Eastern Tibet crustal thickening modes, we compare 2‐D numerical models of two emblematic end‐member models, with either an obstacle in the low viscosity lower crust or a thrust embedded in ...the high viscosity one. We show that the obstacle halts the viscous lower crustal flow potentially initiated by the weight of the high Central Tibet, generating a smooth exhumation gradient at the edge of the plateau, not observed in Eastern Tibet. On the contrary, including a low viscosity discontinuity in the upper crust, mimicking a shallow steep listric fault as inferred in the region, reproduces a sharper exhumation profile, as constrained from thermo‐kinematic inversions of thermochronological data, and the lack of foreland basin, as observed in the field. Moreover, such fault drives deformation throughout the entire crust, suggesting a deep crustal ductile shear zone limiting the more ductile deformation in the lower crust although no discontinuity is imposed.
Plain Language Summary
The role of thrusting in crustal thickening during the formation of Tibet, the world's largest and highest orogenic plateau, constitutes one of the main controversies in earth sciences. In Eastern Tibet in particular, two end‐members based on two contrasting controversial hypotheses can be tested: the thickening is dominated either by the flow of the lower Tibetan crust halted by the hard Sichuan craton, or by thrusting of the Tibetan upper crust. Here, we present 2‐D crustal numerical models of a shallow steep listric thrust (as inferred in the region) embedded in the high viscosity upper crust, and we show that such model reproduces the exhumation profile constrained from thermochronological data and the lack of foreland basin observed in the field. Interestingly, we also show that such upper crustal thrust drives upward the more ductile lower crust albeit no discontinuity is imposed. On the contrary, by using a model driven by an overpressure in the lower crust, we show that the obstacle halts the viscous lower crustal flow and generates a smooth exhumation gradient at the edge of the plateau, not observed in Eastern Tibet.
Key Points
2‐D numerical models of thrusts embedded in the high viscosity upper crust, to test thermo‐kinematic models based on thermochronology data
accommodation in the lower crust by ductile flow of the deformation induced by the high angle thrust in the upper crust
predicting exhumation rates and subsidence patterns that are compatible with the measured ones in Eastern Tibet
Along convergent boundaries, the role played by mantle drag remains poorly understood despite its potential impact on subduction dynamics and in turn on the deformation regime of the overriding ...plate. In this study, we present 11 three‐dimensional analog models of subduction including an overriding plate, in which mantle drag at the base of the lower or upper plate results from an imposed unidirectional horizontal mantle flow perpendicular to the trench, and in which the plate opposite to the flow is fixed. We varied the direction and the velocity of the imposed horizontal mantle flow between 0 and 10 cm/yr to quantify its impact on horizontal and vertical upper plate deformation, velocities of plates and subduction, and slab geometry. In our experiments, we show that a mantle flow lower than 5 cm/yr tends to laterally translate the slab rather than to generate internal deformation, resulting in limited differences in slab geometries between models. We also show that plate velocity correlates linearly with the imposed mantle flow velocity and associated mantle drag. The upper plate most often deforms by trench‐orthogonal shortening, with shortening rates increasing linearly with mantle flow. Shortening rates are higher when mantle flow is directed toward the fixed upper plate and when the slab has not yet reached the upper‐lower mantle discontinuity. Minimum trench‐orthogonal shortening rates of 2.5 × 10−15 s−1 are required to thicken upper plates. This study suggests that mantle drag can exert first‐order controls on the dynamics of subduction zones and associated tectonics.
Plain Language Summary
The convective mantle and lithospheres interact to produce the motion of lithospheric plates at the Earth's surface. However, the time‐evolution of their interactions remains to be fully characterized, particularly at subduction zones. Using three dimensional analog models, we test the role of mantle tractions on subduction dynamics by controlling the flow in the upper mantle. In our experiments, we show that the direction of the mantle flow has an impact on the deformation rates observed in the overriding plate, with faster deformation for a mantle flow directed toward the upper plate. The magnitude of the mantle flow also has an impact on the deformation of the overriding plate, with a linear increase of deformation rates with increasing mantle flow velocities. The arrival of the subducting plate at the upper‐lower mantle discontinuity induces changes in the force equilibrium that leads to a decrease in plate velocity and upper plate deformation rates. From there, we propose that mantle drag is a key element controlling the time‐evolution of subduction zones dynamics and the regime of deformation of the overriding plate.
Key Points
Our models show that mantle drag may exert a first‐order control on subduction dynamics and upper plate tectonics
Plate motion and overriding plate deformation linearly increases with the imposed mantle flow velocity in the models
Mantle flow directed toward the trench favors upper plate trench‐orthogonal shortening
The Indus‐Yarlung suture of southernmost Tibet marks the initial collisional zone, the ongoing India‐Asia collision, and yet more than ~30 million years after the onset of collision, a thick detrital ...sedimentary unit was deposited just north of the suture: the Kailas Formation. The mechanism permitting subsidence of the deep intracontinental Kailas basin in a compressional tectonic regime remains uncertain. We present new apatite (16–11 Ma) and zircon (24–19 Ma) fission track (AFT and ZFT) ages from the Gangdese batholith just north of the Kailas basin. ZFT analysis of modern‐river sand from the northern Gangdese magmatic arc indicates an exhumation at 27.3 ± 1.3 Ma. Thermal modeling indicates that the batholith experienced reheating between 28 and 20 Ma, coeval with deposition in the Kailas basin (between 26 and 21 Ma), followed by overall rapid cooling between 20 and 17 Ma. We interpret this thermal history as a phase of regional Oligocene‐Miocene sedimentary burial followed by exhumation. By modeling mantle dynamics in the geodynamic framework of the India‐Asia collision, we show that transient dynamic topography over the relative southward folding of the Indian slab is consistent with burial and exhumation of the Gangdese magmatic arc during Oligocene‐Miocene time. The northward migration of the Indian continent relative to its own stati onary slab created a wave of dynamic topography that caused subsidence in the overriding plate north of the Himalaya, followed by a phase of surface uplift since ~27 Ma of the northern Gangdese magmatic arc. During latest Oligocene‐early Miocene time, the dynamic deflection center was in the Kailas area, and it progressively relocated southward to its present position at the Ganges basin.
Key Points
Gangdese batholith experienced reheating between ~28 and 20 Ma, followed by rapid cooling between 20–17 Ma at a rate of ~50 °C/Myr
The northward migration of the Indian continent created a wave of dynamic topography that caused the successive subsidence and uplift
The Kailas basin is a unique occurrence of a perched basin that owes its existence to dynamic deflection within a mountain belt
Thrusting implication in the crustal thickening history of eastern Tibet is highly debated. The ∼250 km‐long Muli thrust of the Yalong thrust belt in SE Tibet is a major Miocene structure with a ...pronounced topographic step (∼2,000 m). Using thermo‐kinematic modeling based on thermochronology data, we constrain the crustal geometry of the thrust as being steep (>70°) at the surface, in agreement with field observations, and flattening at depth (≥20 km) on an intra‐crustal décollement. Thrusting motion on the fault shows a velocity of 0.2 ± 0.06 km/Ma since 50 Ma, followed by an acceleration at a rate of 0.6 ± 0.08 km/Ma starting at 12.5 ± 1 Ma, yielding a total of ∼15 km of exhumed crust. Deeper, deformation may be localized through a ductile shear zone, and be related to the ∼15 km Moho step and shear wave velocity contrast imaged by tomography beneath the Yalong thrust belt.
Plain Language Summary
The India‐Eurasia collision (∼50 million years ago Ma) led to the formation of the Tibetan Plateau, the world's largest and highest orogenic plateau. The formation and evolution of such a unique geological feature has been one of the main controversies in Earth Sciences for decades, especially regarding the role of faulting in the thickening of the crust. Here, we present 3D thermo‐kinematic models of thermochronology data allowing to constrain the exhumation history of the Muli thrust fault, a ∼250 km‐long major structure of the SE Tibetan margin, linked to significant steps in surface topography and in crustal boundary at depth (Moho). We constrain a steep fault (>70°) within the upper crust, consistent with field observations, that flattens at depth (≥20 km). The Muli thrust presents rapid thrusting motion (0.6 ± 0.08 km/Ma) that initiated at ∼12.5 Ma, following a slower phase (0.2 ± 0.06 km/Ma) since 50 Ma, with total rock exhumation of ∼15 km. This underlines the important role of thrust faulting in the thickening of the SE Tibetan crust.
Key Points
Thermo‐kinematic modeling of Muli thrust, a major thrust fault of SE Tibetan Plateau
15 km crust exhumation in 50 Ma on a high‐angle (>70°) ramp—décollement fault linked to thickening of SE Tibetan crust
Fault related to significant Moho step and shear wave velocity contrast in deep crust suggests entire crust implication
We use three‐dimensional numerical models to investigate the relation between subduction dynamics and large‐scale tectonics of continent interiors. The models show how the balance between forces at ...the plate margins such as subduction, ridge push, and far‐field forces, controls the coupled plate margins and interiors evolution. Removal of part of the slab by lithospheric break‐off during subduction destabilizes the convergent margin, forcing migration of the subduction zone, whereas in the upper plate large‐scale lateral extrusion, rotations, and back‐arc stretching ensue. When external forces are modeled, such as ridge push and far‐field forces, indentation increases, with large collisional margin advance and thickening in the upper plate. The balance between margin and external forces leads to similar convergent margin evolutions, whereas major differences occur in the upper plate interiors. Here, three strain regimes are found: large‐scale extrusion, extrusion and thickening along the collisional margin, and thickening only, when negligible far‐field forces, ridge push, and larger far‐field forces, respectively, add to the subduction dynamics. The extrusion tectonics develops a strong asymmetry toward the oceanic margin driven by large‐scale subduction, with no need of preexisting heterogeneities in the upper plate. Because the slab break‐off perturbation is transient, the ensuing plate tectonics is time‐dependent. The modeled deformation and its evolution are remarkably similar to the Cenozoic Asian tectonics, explaining large‐scale lithospheric faulting and thickening, and coupling of indentation, extrusion and extension along the Asian convergent margin as a result of large‐scale subduction process.
Key Points:
Coupled subduction and upper plate dynamics modeled
Break‐off drives large‐scale rotations, far‐field forces drive indentation
The combinations of these explains the time‐dependent Asian tectonics
New structural, petrographic, and 40Ar/39Ar data constrain the kinematics of the ASRR (Ailao Shan‐Red River shear zone). In the XueLong Shan (XLS), geochronological data reveal Triassic, Early ...Tertiary, and Oligo‐Miocene thermal events. The latter event (33–26 Ma) corresponds to cooling during left‐lateral shear. In the FanSiPan (FSP) range, thrusting of the SaPa nappe, linked to left‐lateral deformation, and cooling of the FSP granite occurred at ≈35 Ma. Rapid cooling resumed at 25–29 Ma as a result of uplift within the transtensive ASRR. In the DayNuiConVoi (DNCV), foliation trends NW‐SE, but is deflected near large‐scale shear planes. Stretching lineation is nearly horizontal. On steep foliations, shear criteria indicate left‐lateral shear sense. Zones with flatter foliations show compatible shear senses. Petrographic data indicate decompression from ≈6.5 kbar during left‐lateral shear (temperatures >700°C). 40Ar/39Ar data imply rapid cooling from above 350°C to below 150°C between 25 and 22 Ma without diachronism along strike. Along the whole ASRR cooling histories show two main episodes: (1) rapid cooling from peak metamorphism during left‐lateral shear; (2) rapid cooling from greenschist conditions during right‐lateral reactivation of the ASRR. In the NW part of the ASRR (XLS, Diancang Shan), we link rapid cooling 1 to local denudations in a transpressive environment. In the SW part (Ailao Shan and DNCV), cooling 1 resulted from regional denudation by zipper‐like tectonics in a transtensive regime. The induced cooling diachronism observed in the Ailao Shan suggests left‐lateral rates of 4 to 5 cm/yr from 27 Ma until ≈17 Ma. DNCV rocks always stayed in a transtensive regime and do not show cooling diachronism. The similarities of deformation kinematics along the ASRR and in the South China Sea confirms the causal link between continental strike‐slip faulting and marginal basin opening.
Using multispectral SPOT images and 1/100,000 topographic data, we present an improved map of the active Red River fault zone between Midu (Yunnan, China) and Hanoi (Vietnam). The fault zone is ...composed of parallel strands, one of which, the Yuanjiang fault was previously undetected. There also appears to be a component of extension all along the fault zone. Such extension increases toward the SE, from Yunnan to the south China sea coast, and the vector describing the motion of south China relative to Indochina points within the N45°–135°E quadrant. We attempt to assess the Plio‐Quaternary dextral slip rate on the Red River fault (RRF) by restoring large river offsets and searching for the largest, plausible one. Across much of Yunnan, the fault is perpendicular to local catchments that drain into the Red River. From precise mapping of the river courses on SPOT satellite images and on 1/100,000 topographic maps, numerous multiple offsets along the fault can be detected and reconstructed. The lack of correlation between the apparent offsets and the lengths of the rivers upstream from the fault suggests either that the drainage system was in large part established prior to the onset of dextral slip along the fault or that frequent captures have occurred. We thus try to find the best fit between series of river channels upstream and downstream from the fault by progressively restoring the dextral displacement in increments of 500 m, up to an offset of 50 km. For each increment we measure the misfits (root mean squares, RMS) between the upstream and downstream channels. The best fit and smallest RMS are obtained for an offset of 25±0.5 km that we interpret to represent the clearest, large right‐lateral displacement recorded in the geomorphology along the active Red River fault. Since dextral motion is likely to have started around 5 Myr, the most probable average Plio‐Quaternary slip rate on the fault is of order of 5 mm/yr. We attribute the apparent lack of seismic activity on a large stretch of the fault to millennial recurrence times between great earthquakes. Our study shows that relatively small drainage systems can keep a good record of fairly large cumulative fault offsets.
How the collision between India and Asia is related to processes deeper in the mantle is unclear. Here we compare geological reconstructions of block motions within Asia since ≈50 Ma with the ...tomographically imaged three-dimensional (3-D) morphology of subducted lithosphere to obtain insight into the spatiotemporal evolution of mantle structure. Past positions of the convergent margin show remarkable similarities with slab geometry at specific depths. The striking change in slab geometry from a linear structure beneath 1100 km to an increasingly distorted shape at depths of less than 700 km results from collision. The slab contours match the progressive deformation of Asia’s margin, including India’s indentation and Sundaland’s extrusion. Ever since the onset of collision, the Indian plate appears to have overridden its own sinking mantle and it does not seem, at present, to underthrust Tibet significantly north of the Zangbo suture. If correct, this observation would provide further evidence against models of plateau build-up involving Indian lithosphere. The tomographic images beneath India confirm that Asian deformation has absorbed at least ≈1500 km of convergence since collision began. From the match between the southeastward motion of Sundaland between 40 and 20 Ma and the principal change in slab structure between 700 and 1100 km depths, we infer that lateral advection in the mantle is small and that the sinking rate beneath Sunda was ∼2 cm/yr in the lower mantle and ∼5 cm/yr above the transition zone.
The Medlicott-Wadia Thrust (MWT) is one of the major active out-of-sequence thrusts in the Himalaya. Studies on Quaternary terraces in its vicinity have been performed using sedimentological, ...geomorphic and geochronological methods. We focus on the Riasi zone, south of the Pir Panjal range, in the Jammu and Kashmir region of India. The sedimentary units of Quaternary landforms have been mapped as a function of their location with respect to the thrust faults, their relative chronology, and their lithology. Three aggrading sedimentary units, five thin units above strath surfaces at the footwall of the fault system, and seven thin units above strath surfaces at its hangingwall are identified. The terraces have been dated by combining Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) on fine-grained deposits and cosmogenic-nuclide dating (10Be) on sandstone pebbles sampled along depth profiles throughout the alluvial units. Three major allostratigraphic units were defined with upper surface ages estimated at ~4, ~15, and 36±3ka; the two older allostratigraphic units are encased terraces at the hangingwall but superposed sedimentary units at the footwall. They are related to phases of elevation of the river level (respectively 30 and 60m) at ~36–38 and 14–15ka and to a phase of extensive lateral incision before ~4ka. These units present vertical offsets induced by the MWT of 50, 190, and 375m, respectively. By taking the aggradation/incision rates at the footwall of the MWT into account, we found that the uplift of the hangingwall remains uniform since 36ka, with a value of ~10mm/yr. Therefore, the aggradation/incision events observed in the Riasi area cannot be ascribed to variations in the tectonic rates and are most likely driven by climatic fluctuations. The high uplift rate is possibly local and related to the Chenab recess, which affects the Himalayan frontal structure. Our results indicate that the MWT is an active growth fault, and one of the main emergences of the active Indian/Asian plate boundary in Western Himalaya.
•The Main-Wadia Thrust is a very active out-of sequence thrust of Western Himalaya.•Three allostratigraphic units are dated at ~36, ~15, and 4ka by using 10Be and OSL methods.•The forming of the terraces is linked to climatic changes.•It found a constant vertical throw rate of 10.6±2mm/yr and an ~11mm/yr shortening since ~36ka.
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