Eocene to late Oligocene history of crustal shortening within the Hoh Xil Basin and implications for the uplift history of the northern Tibetan Plateau

A study of the Qinghai Hoh Xil site reveals that crustal shortening in the northern Tibetan Plateau began in the mid-Eocene and continued until at least 34 million years ago, ceasing by 27 million years ago. The research integrates fault gouge geochronology, low-temperature thermochronology, geologic mapping, and balanced cross sections to determine that upper crustal shortening amounted to 34 ± 12 km (24 ± 9%). Findings suggest that this shortening alone cannot explain the modern elevation or lithospheric thickness without additional processes such as mantle removal or lower crustal material influx. The study also raises questions about how remaining Indo-Asian convergence was accommodated prior to late Miocene deformation patterns.

Staisch, L. M., Niemi, N. A., Clark, M. K., & Chang, H. (2016). Eocene to late Oligocene history of crustal shortening within the Hoh Xil Basin and implications for the uplift history of the northern Tibetan Plateau. Tectonics, 35(4), 862–895. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/2015tc003972