An alternative tectonic model for the Yarlung Zangbo suture zone

Science China Earth Sciences

Volumn 53, Issue 1, 2010, Pages 27-41

  Liu, XiaoHan ^a   Ju, YiTai ^b   Wei, LiJie ^a   Li, GuangWei ^a  

^a INSTITUTE OF GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS   (China)

^b China Metallurgical Geology Bureau   (China)

Author keywords

Alternative tectonic model; Continental marginal arc; Plate boundary; Relic back arc basin; Yarlung Zangbo Ophiolite Zone

Indexed keywords

BACK-ARC; BACK-ARC BASIN; CONTINENTAL MARGIN; DEEP SEA SEDIMENT; EURASIA; FIELD INVESTIGATION; GEOLOGIC INFORMATION; HIMALAYAS; LARGE SHEAR; LATE CRETACEOUS; LATE TRIASSIC; LHASA TERRANE; MESOZOIC; MIDDLE MIOCENE; MIOCENE; NEW MODEL; OCEAN FLOOR; OCEANIC CRUST; OLIGOCENE; PALEOZOIC; PLATE BOUNDARIES; PLATE TECTONICS; QIANGTANG TERRANE; REGIONAL TECTONICS; SEDIMENTARY FACIES; SIWALIK; SOUTHERN TIBET; TECTONIC MODELS;

CAVITY RESONATORS; LITHOLOGY; OCEANOGRAPHY; SEDIMENTOLOGY; SEDIMENTS;

TECTONICS;

BACKARC BASIN; CONTINENTAL MARGIN; CRUSTAL SHORTENING; FLYSCH; MELANGE; MESOZOIC; NUMERICAL MODEL; OCEANIC CRUST; OPHIOLITE; PLATE BOUNDARY; PLATE TECTONICS; SUTURE ZONE; TECTONIC EVOLUTION; TECTONIC SETTING; UPLIFT;

INDUS-YARLUNG SUTURE ZONE;

EID: 76149131321     PISSN: 16747313     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1007/s11430-009-0177-x     Document Type: Article

References (85)

1. Gansser A. Geology of the Himalayas. John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 1964. 289.
2. Gansser A. The Indian Ocean and the Himalayas-A geological interpretation. Eclog Geol Helv, 1966, 59: 832-848.
3. Gansser A. The ophiolitic mélange, a world-wide problem on Tethyan Examples. Eclog Geol Helv, 1975, 67: 3.
4. Nicolas A, Girardeau J, Marcoux J, et al. The Xigaze pohiolite: A peculiar oceanic lithosphere. Nature, 1981, 294: 414-417.
5. Shackleton R M. Structure of southern Tibet: Report on a traverse from Lhasa to Katmandu organized by Acadimia Sinica. J Struct Geol, 1981, 3: 97-105.
6. Tapponnier P. The Tibetan side of the India-Eurasia collision. Nature, 1981, 294: 405-410.
7. Li G, Mercier J L. Achivement of Sino-French Mission in Himalaya-1980. Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1984. 1-237.
8. Burg J P, Chen G. Tectonics and structure zonation of southern Tibet, China. Nature, 1984, 311: 219-223.
9. Burg J P, Marcoux J, Cheng G. Wildflysch and exotic blocks along the Yalung Zangbo suture zone: Age and geodynamic significance. Terra Cognit, 1985, 5: 125.
10. Burg J P, Leyreloup A, Girardeau J, et al. Structure and metamorphism of a tectonically thickened continental crust: The Yalu Tsangpo suture zone (Tibet). Philos Trans R Soc A-Math Phys Eng Sci, 1987, 321: 67-86.
11. Allegre C J, Courtillot V, Tapponnier P, et al. Structure and evolution of the Himalayan-Tibet orogenic belt. Nature, 1984, 307: 17-22.
12. Girardeau J, Marcoux J, Zao Y. Lithologic and tectonic environment of the Xigaze ophiolite (Yarlung Zangbo suture zone, southern Tibet, China), and kinematics of its emplacement. Eclogae Geol Helv, 1984, 77: 153-170.
13. Girardeau J, Mercier J C C, Zao Y. Structure of the Xigaze ophiolite, Yarlung Zangbo suture zone, southern Tibet, China: Genetic implications. Tectonics, 1985, 4: 267-288.
14. Mercier J C C. The ophiolite sequence in central segment of the Yarlung Zangbo and a model of quick evolution of oceanic crust. In: Mercier J L, Li G C, eds. Mission Franco-Chinese in Tibet 1980 (in French). Paris: Cent Natl Rech Sci, 1984. 181-220.
15. Xiao X. Xigaze ophiolite and relevant tectonic view in south Tibet (in Chinese). In: Li G, Mercier J L, eds. Achivement of Sino-French Mission in Himalaya-1980. Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1984. 143-168.
16. Xiao X, Li T, Li G. Tectonic evolution in the Himalayan lithosphere (in Chinese). Special issue of Geology (7). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1988. 1-236.
17. Klootwijk C T, Conaghan P J, Powell C M. The Himalayan Arc: Large-scale continental subduction, oroclinal bending and backarc spreading. Earth Planet Sci Lett, 1985, 75: 167-183.
18. Chang C F, Chen N, Coward M P, et al. Preliminary conclusions of the Royal Society and Academia Sinica 1985 geotraverse of Tibet. Nature, 1986, 323: 501-507.
19. Yin J, Shun X, Wen C, et al. Mesozoic stratigraphy along the highway from Dangla pass in Gyirong County to Saga (Gya'gya) County in South Xizang. J Inst Geol Chin Acad Sci, 1988, 3: 80-95.
20. Le Pichon X, Fournier M, Jolivet L. Kinematics, topography, shortening, and extrusion in the India-Eurasia collision. Tectonics, 1992, 11: 1085-1098.
21. Einsele G. The Xigaze forearc basin: Evolution and facies architecture (Cretaceous, Tibet). Sediment Geol, 1994, 90: 1-32.
22. Dürr S B. Provenance of Xigaze fore-arc basin clastic rocks (Cretaceous, south Tibet). Geol Soc Am Bull, 1996, 108: 669-684.
23. Pan Y, Kong X. Structure, evolution and dynamics of the lithosphere in Tibetan Plateau (in Chinese). Guangzhou: Guangdong Science and Technology Press, 1998. 3-71.
24. Wang C, Yu G. Evolution of the Mesozoic sedimentary basins in the Yarlung Zangbo, Tibet (in Chinese). Bull Chengdu Geol College, 1988, 23(4): 40-45.
25. Wang C, Liu Z, Li X, et al. Xigaze Forearc Basin and Tsangpo Suture Zone, Tibet (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1999. 1-237.
26. Yin A, Harrison T M, Murphy M A, et al. Tertiary deformation history of southeastern and southwestern Tibet during the Indo-Asian collision. Geol Soc Am Bull, 1999, 111: 1644-1664.
27. Yin A, Harrison T M. Geologic evolution of the Himalayan-Tibetan orogen. Annu Rev Earth Planet Sci, 2000, 28: 211-280.
28. Harrison T M, Yin A, Grove M, et al. The Zedong Window: A record of superposed Tertiary convergence in southeastern Tibet. J Geophys Res, 2000, 105: 19211-19230.
29. Miller C, Thoni M, Frank W, et al. Geochemistry and tectonomagmatic affinity of the Yungbwa ophiolite, SW Tibet. Lithos, 2003, 66: 155-172.
30. Hsü K J, Pan G T, Sengör A M C. Tectonic evolution of the Tibetan Plateau: A working hypothesis based on the archipelago model of orogenesis. Int Geol Rev, 1995, 37: 473-508.
31. Hsü K J, Sun S, Wang Q C, et al. Map of tectonic facies of China (1/4000000) (in Chinese). Beijing: Science Press, 1998. 1-155.
32. Xiao X C. Annotation of the tectonic evolution and uplift of Tibetan Plateau (in Chinese). Geol Rev, 1998, 44(4): 372-381.
33. Zheng L L, Geng Q R, Ou C S, et al. Geochemical character of vitro-andesite in the ophiolite of the Namcha Barwa region, south-east Tibet, and its geological application (in Chinese). Geol Bull China, 2003, 22(11-12): 908-911.
34. Geng Q R, Pan G T, Zheng L L, et al. Petrochemistry character and metamorphism condition of quartzite in the Yarlung Zangbo tectonic belt of Namcha Barwa region (in Chinese). Mineral Petrol, 2004, 24(1): 76-82.
35. Geng Q R, Pan G T, Zheng L L, et al. Mineralogical character and age of the Yarlung Zangbo tectonic belt of Namcha Barwa region (in Chinese). Sediment Tethys Geol, 2004, 24(2): 1-7.
36. Xu Z Q, Yang J S, Qi X Q, et al. India/Asia collision-Detachment structure in north-south and east-west direction, and re-discussion on the mechanism of Himalaya orogene (in Chinese). Geol Lett, 2006, 25: 1-14.
37. Xu Z Q, Yang J S, Li H B. Orogenic Plateau-terrane Amalgamation, Collision and Uplift in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 2007. 29-36.
38. Xu Z Q, Yang J S, Li H B, et al. Tibetan Pjlateau and continental geodynamics, the deep force of the terrane patchwork, collisional orogenic and uplift (in Chinese). Chin Geol, 2006, 33(2): 221-238.
39. Pan G T, Wang L Q, Zhu D C. Consider for significant scientific questions in the regional geological survey of the Tibetan Plateau (in Chinese). Geol Bull, 2004, 23(1): 12-19.
40. Pan G T, Wang L Q, Yin F G. Charm of the plate tectonic theory on continent-From the study on archipelago-arc-basin (in Chinese). Geol Lett, 2004, (23): 9-10.
41. Pan G T, Ding J. Introduction of the Geological map of Tibetan Plateau and its vicinage (1/1500000) (in Chinese). Chengdu: Mapping Press, 2004. 1-133.
42. Aitchison J C, Badengzhu A, Davis M, et al. Remnants of a Cretaceous intra-oceanic subduction system within the Indus-Yarlung suture (southern Tibet). Earth Planet Sci Lett, 2000, 183: 231-244.
43. Aitchison J C, Abrajevitch A, Ali J R, et al. New insights into the evolution of the Yarlung Tsangpo suture zone, Xizang (Tibet), China. Episodes, 2002, 25(2): 90-94.
44. Aitchison J C, Davis A M. Evidence for the multiphase nature of the India-Asia collision from the Yarlung Tsangpo suture zone, Tibet. In: Malpas J, Fletcher C J N, eds. Aspects of the Tectonic Evolution of China. Geol Soc Spec Publ, 2004, 226: 217-233.
45. Aitchison J C, Ali J R, Davis A M. When and where did India and Asia collide? J Geophys Res, 2007, 112: B05423, doi: 10.1029/ 2006JB004706.
46. Wan X, Ding L. Discovery of the latest Cretaceous planktonic foraminifera from Gyirong of southern Tibet and its chrono-strati-graphic significance. Acta Palaeontol Sin, 2002, 41: 89-95.
47. Ding L, Lai Q Z. New geological evidence of crustal thickening in the Gangdese block prior to the Indo-Asian collision. Chin Sci Bull, 2003, 48: 836-842.
48. Ding L, Kapp P, Wan X. Paleocene-Eocene record of ophiolite obduction and initial India-Asia collision, south central Tibet. Tectonics, 2005, 24: TC3001, 1-18, doi: 10.1029/2004 TC001729.
49. Liu K, Zhao W, Jiang W, et al. Where is the north boundary of the Indian Plate (in Chinese)? Geol Bull, 2006, 25(1-2): 43-47.
50. Li P, Cui J, Li L, et al. Estimation of shortening between the Siberian and Indian Plates since the Early Cretaceous. J Asian Earth Sci, 2002, 20: 241-245.
51. Li P, Gao R, Cui J, et al. Paleogeomagnetism analysis of the ages of main terranes collision in east Tibet and west Yunnan (in Chinese). Sediment Tethys Geol, 2003, 23(2): 28-34.
52. Ali J R, Aitchison J C. Greater India. Earth Sci Rev, 2005, 72: 169-188.
53. Wang X B, Bao P S, Deng W, et al. Xizang (Tibet) Ophiolite (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1987. 235-246.
54. Yin J X. Stratigraphical Geology of Gongdwana Facies in Tibetan Plateau and Adjacent (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1997.
55. Bao P S, Wang J. Petrology, geochemistry and its tectonic significance in the suture zone of Tibetan Plateau (in Chinese). In: Xiao X C, Li T D, eds. The Tectonic Evolution and Uplift Mechanism. Guangzhou: Guangdong Science and Technology Press, 2000. 137-189.
56. Hu J, et al. Report of Regional Geological Survey in Xigaze (1/250000) (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 2002.
57. Zhu J, et al. Report of Regional Geological Survey in Lazi (1/250000) (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 2003.
58. Wen S X. Cretaceous System in Stratigraphy of the Mount Qomolangma Region. Beijing: Science Press, 1987. 130-159.
59. Wen S X. Tertiary System in Stratigraphy of the Mount Qomolangma Region. Beijing: Science Press, 1987. 160-180.
60. Li X H, Wang C S, Hu X, et al. The Pengqu formation: A new Eocene stratigraphical unit in Tingri area, Tibet. J Sratigr, 2000, 24: 244-248.
61. Xu Y. Early Tertiary calcareous nannofossils from southern Tibet and the closing time of east Tethys in Tibet. Geoscience, 2000, 14: 255-262.
62. Li G B, Wan X Q. Eocene microfossil in southern Tibet and the final closing of the Tibet-Tethys. J Stratigr, 2003, 27: 99-108.
63. Wang C S, Li X H, Hu X M, et al. Latest marine horizon north of Qomolangma (Mt. Everest): Implications for closure of Tethys seaway and collision tectonics. Terra Nova, 2002, 14: 114-120.
64. Zeng L, Liang F, Xu Z, et al. Metapelites in the Himalayan orogenic belt and their protoliths. Acta Petrol Sin, 2008, 24(7): 1517-1527.
65. Liu X H. Structural feature of Yarlung Zangbo ophiolite zone and its tectonic significance (Abstract). The 20th Himalaya-Karakoram-Tibet Workshop. Geolog Alpine Mem, 2005, 44: 121.
66. Liu X H. Re-Examination of the Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone: An Alternative Tectonic Model. Proceeding of the Himalaya-Kara-kunlun-Tibet Symposium, Hongkong, 2007. 63.
67. Fang A M, An Z S, Liu X H, et al. The age of the plant fossil assemblage in the Liuqu Conglomerate of southern Tibet and its tectonic significance. Prog Nat Sci, 2006, 16: 55-64.
68. Fang A M, Yan Z, Liu X H, et al. Plant fossil assemblage and its caracteristics of Liuqu conglomerate in south Tibet (in Chinese). Paleontol Bull, 2005, 44(3): 435-445.
69. Fang A M, Yan Z, Liu X H, et al. Age of the plant fossil assemblage and its tectonic significance of Liuqv conglomerate in south Tibet (in Chinese). Nat Sci Progr, 2004, 14(12): 1419-1427.
70. 40Ar dating of the trans-Himalayan calc-alkaline magmatism of southern Tibet. Nature, 1982, 298: 152-154.
71. Schärer U, Xu R H, Allègre C J. U-Pb geochronology of Gandese (Transhimalaya) plutonism in the Lhasa-Xigaze region Tibet. Earth Planet Sci Lett, 1984, 69: 311-320.
72. 40Ar dating, petrological characteristics and geodynamical significance. Earth Planet Sci Lett, 1986, 79: 281-302.
73. Debon F, Le Fort P, Sheppard S M, et al. The four plutonic belts of the Transhimalaya-Himalaya: A chemical, mineralogical, isotopic, and chronological synthesis along a Tibet-Nepal section. J Petrol, 1986, 27: 219-250.
74. Xu R, Schärer U, Allègre C J. Magmatism and metamorphism in the Lhasa block (Tibet): A geochronological study. J Geol, 1985, 93: 41-57.
75. Beck R A. Stratigraphic evidence for an early collision between northwest India and Asia. Nature, 1995, 373: 55-58.
76. Corfield R I, Searle M P, Pederson R B. Tectonic setting, origin and obduction history of the Spontang Ophiolite, Ladakh Himalaya, NW India. J Geol, 2001, 109: 715-736.
77. Ahmad T N, Harris B W, Islam R, et al. Contrasting mafic magmatism in the Shyok and Indus Suture Zones: Geochemical constraints. Himalayan Geol, 2005, 26: 33-40.
78. Miller C, Thoni M, Frank W, et al. Geochemistry and tectonomagmatic affinity of the Yungbwa ophiolite, SW Tibet. Lithos, 2003, 66: 155-172.
79. Ratschbacher L W, Frisch G, Liu Z, et al. Distributed deformation in southern and western Tibet during and after the India-Asian collision. J Geophys Res, 1994, 99: 19917-19945.
80. Yin A, Harrison T M, Ryerson F J, et al. Tertiary structural evolution of Gengdese thrust system in southeastern Tibet. J Geophys Res, 1994, 99: 18175-18201.
81. Quidelleur X, Grove M, Lovera O M, et al. Thermal evolution and slip history of the Renbu Zedong thrust, shoutheastern Tibet. J Geograph Res, 1997, 102: 2659-2679.
82. Zhao W J, Zhao X. Progress of deep profile study in Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau. Geol Bull, 2002, 21(11): 691-700.
83. Zhao W J, Nelson K D. Project INDEPTH Team. Deep seismic reflection evidence for continental underthructing beneath southern Tibet. Nature, 1993, 366: 557-559.
84. De Celles P G, Robinson D M, Zandt G. Implication of shortening in the Himalayan fold-thrust belt for uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. Tectonics, 2002, 21: 1-25.
85. Schult-Pelkum V, Monsalve G, Sheehan A, et al. Imaging the India subcontinent beneath the Himalaya. Nature, 2005, 435: 1222-1225, doi: 10.1038/03678.