Onset timing of significant unroofing around Qaidam basin, northern Tibet, China: Constraints from40Ar/39Ar and FT thermochronology on granitoids
Journal
Journal of Asian Earth Sciences
Journal Volume
24
Journal Issue
1
Pages
59-69
Date Issued
2004
Author(s)
Abstract
40Ar/39Ar and fission track thermochronological results from two granitoid suites in the mountain ranges along the northern and southern edges of Qaidam basin constrain the timing of a Tertiary denudation event and their tectonic association in northern Tibet. The cooling histories based upon 40Ar/ 39Ar and fission track ages suggest a rapid cooling event (7.5-10.7 °C/Ma) during Oligocene-early Miocene time. This cooling event is thought to reflect an increasing denudation rate associated with the rapid uplift and denudation of the North Qaidam and Kunlun Shan mountain ranges. With consideration to the field evidence, sedimentation rate of the Qaidam basin, and the propagation rate along the Altyn Tagh fault, the rapid uplifting and denudation are probably due to crustal thickening associated with Cenozoic propagation of the Altyn Tagh fault in accommodating the collision of India with Asia. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
SDGs
Type
journal article