Cenozoic evolution of the Pamir and Tien Shan mountains reflected in syntectonic deposits of the Tajik Basin

The Cenozoic evolution of the Pamir and Tien Shan mountains is deciphered through the syntectonic deposits of the Tajik Basin, revealing a dynamic history shaped by tectonic compression. These deposits, primarily proximal braided river sediments, indicate extensive fluvial plains extending from the Northern Pamir and Southern Tien Shan, with a notable shift in sediment sources over time. While Oligocene–Pliocene deposits predominantly originated from the northern Pamir ranges, upper Miocene–Recent sediments near the active margin of the Tien Shan reflect erosion from this range. The study highlights an initial phase of low-energy sedimentation in the SW Tien Shan since the Oligocene, followed by increased erosion and coarse fluvial deposition along the northern margin of the Tajik Basin from the middle Miocene onward. This research approach leverages sedimentary records to reconstruct the tectonic and erosional history of these mountain systems.

Klocke, M., Voigt, T., Kley, J., Pfeifer, S., Rocktäschel, T., Keil, S., & Gaupp, R. (2015). Cenozoic evolution of the Pamir and Tien Shan mountains reflected in syntectonic deposits of the Tajik Basin. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 427(1), 523–564. https://doi.org/10.1144/sp427.7