Lateral Growth Mechanism of Proto‐Tibetan Plateau in the Late Paleogene: Implications From Detailed Crustal Structures of the Hoh Xil Basin

Researchers have uncovered the lateral growth mechanism of the proto-Tibetan Plateau during the Late Paleogene, revealing that the Hoh Xil Basin (HXB) experienced significant crustal thickening to over 70 km, surpassing the protoplateau's crust. This thickening cannot be solely attributed to upper crustal shortening, suggesting a more complex process at play. Using a dense nodal array and receiver function method, the study imaged north-dipping interfaces in the lower crust, indicating widespread imbrication structures. The findings propose that isostatic-driven adjustments and northward injection of the protoplateau's lower crust were key factors in elevating the HXB during this period.

Wei, Y., He, R., Yuan, X., Li, W., Ji, Z., Niu, X., & Li, Z. (2022). Lateral Growth Mechanism of Proto‐Tibetan Plateau in the Late Paleogene: Implications From Detailed Crustal Structures of the Hoh Xil Basin. Geophysical Research Letters, 49(9). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1029/2022gl097983