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Surface Deformation and Lower Crustal Flow in Eastern Tibet
1L. H. Royden, B. C. Burchfiel, R. W. King, E. Wang, Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Z. Chen, F. Shen, Y. Liu, Chengdu Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chengdu, China.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|May 2, 1997
Summary
Eastern Tibetan plateau deformation shows minimal crustal shortening. Instead, models suggest weak lower crust decouples upper crustal movement during continental convergence, leading to extension.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Tectonics
- Plate tectonics
Background:
- The eastern Tibetan plateau's tectonic evolution is debated.
- Understanding deformation mechanisms is crucial for regional geological models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate crustal deformation along the eastern Tibetan plateau margin.
- To model the geodynamic processes driving observed surface movements.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of field observations.
- Interpretation of satellite geodesy data.
- Development and application of geodynamic models.
Main Results:
- Little crustal shortening observed since 4 million years ago.
- Tibet experienced clockwise rotation and crustal extension, not shortening.
- Modeled decoupling of upper crust due to weak lower crust.
Conclusions:
- Continental convergence deforms the eastern Tibetan plateau.
- Weak lower crust explains observed plateau extension and rotation.
- Model predicts plateau extension without lithospheric removal or eastward crustal movement.