Cenozoic Vertical‐Axis Rotations of the Hoh Xil Basin, Central–Northern Tibet

Research on the Qinghai Hoh Xil basin reveals that Cenozoic vertical-axis rotations in central-northern Tibet were not detected in the Tuotuohe depression, suggesting single thrusting from the Tanggula thrust system without significant rotation. However, strike-slip faulting associated with the Fenghuo Shan-Nangqian thrust systems likely influenced tectonic rotations in other parts of the basin, such as Cuoredejia and Wudaoliang depressions. The study utilized paleomagnetic and rock magnetic analyses on 160 independently oriented samples from Oligocene and Miocene continental rocks, confirming primary magnetization through reversal tests. Findings indicate that the basin's tectonic history since the Eocene may have been controlled by both thrust and strike-slip faulting, providing new insights into the dynamic evolution of the Tibetan Plateau.

Bo, R., Xixi, Z., Zhifei, L., Chengshan, W., Lidong, Z., Wei, J., & Yalin, L. (2016). Cenozoic Vertical‐Axis Rotations of the Hoh Xil Basin, Central–Northern Tibet. Acta Geologica Sinica - English Edition, 90(3), 858–869. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-6724.12729