The Nyainqentanghla Shan: Testing Models of Tibetan Crustal Evolution in an Oblique Crustal Section

University Of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA

Investigators

Abstract

9909551 Harrison Quantitative tectonic models seeking to explain the evolution of the Indo-Asian collision zone make testable predictions regarding the thermal and physical state of the interior Himalayan and Tibetan crust. However it is difficult to obtain suitable samples to test these models because most of Tibet has experienced little Tertiary denudation, thus limiting the level of exposure to shallow depths. This project is aimed at obtaining the required samples to test the models by using exposures of middle crustal rocks brought to the surface by a large north - south trending graben. Results should provide the pattern of unroofing and other mechanisms of graben formation as well as allowing assessment of several models of mid-crustal development during the Neogene.