Research achievements of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau based on 60 years of Aeromagnetic Surveys

Aeromagnetic surveys over the past six decades have revealed that the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is characterized by a dual-layer magnetic structure, featuring shallow east-west and northwest-trending anomaly zones overlain by deeper south-north trending zones. This 'flyover' geological pattern suggests complex tectonic interactions, including continent-continent collisions in the Yarlung-Zangbo suture zone, which formed due to twice subduction of the Indian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate. The study also identified a giant negative aeromagnetic anomaly, indicating a deep thermal-tectonic zone, and delineated 21 mineral resource prospecting areas with thousands of ore-bearing anomalies. Additionally, it clarified the Plateau's boundaries and its composition of four stitched orogens, while highlighting the Qiangtang Basin's potential for oil and gas due to its stable northern basement.

Xiong, S.-q.,. (2021). Research achievements of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau based on 60 years of Aeromagnetic Surveys. China Geology, 4(1), 1–31. https://doi.org/10.31035/cg2021029