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Three stages of plateau evolution manifested in present-day Tibetan Plateau

Author

Listed:
  • Shihua Cheng

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Xiao Xiao

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Li Sun

    (China Earthquake Administration)

  • Weilai Wang

    (China Earthquake Administration)

  • Jianping Wu

    (China Earthquake Administration)

  • Xiaoxin Wang

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    China Earthquake Administration)

  • Xiaofeng Liang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xiaobo Tian

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Hongyi Li

    (China University of Geosciences)

  • Lianxing Wen

    (State University of New York at Stony Brook)

Abstract

Notwithstanding the evolution of the Tibetan Plateau being a fundamental topic in continental dynamics, general mechanisms of Plateau uplift remain elusive and past Plateau evolution models lack clarity of the actual geodynamical process. Here, with detailed mappings of intra-crustal low-velocity zones and crust-mantle discontinuity in the region using the seismic data consolidated by the China Seismological Reference Model project, we show that the present-day Tibetan Plateau manifests three stages of mid-crustal flow driven evolution that can be clearly identified in three distinct regions of the Plateau: a pre-response stage with a young mid-crustal partially molten zone but little response of surface topography and crust-mantle discontinuity, the first stage with a mature mid-crustal partially molten zone by deepening crust-mantle discontinuity without large-scale surface uplift, and the last stage by large-scale surface uplifting. Our results provide direct observation and a unique reference of geodynamical responses at different evolution stages of the continent-continent collision zones.

Suggested Citation

  • Shihua Cheng & Xiao Xiao & Li Sun & Weilai Wang & Jianping Wu & Xiaoxin Wang & Xiaofeng Liang & Xiaobo Tian & Hongyi Li & Lianxing Wen, 2025. "Three stages of plateau evolution manifested in present-day Tibetan Plateau," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-64607-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64607-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. C. Beaumont & R. A. Jamieson & M. H. Nguyen & B. Lee, 2001. "Himalayan tectonics explained by extrusion of a low-viscosity crustal channel coupled to focused surface denudation," Nature, Nature, vol. 414(6865), pages 738-742, December.
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