Coupled Lithospheric Deformation in the Qinling Orogen, Central China: Insights From Seismic Reflection and Surface-Wave Tomography

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Zhang Y., Dong S., Wang H., Feng M., Thybo H. J., Li J., ...More

Geophysical Research Letters, vol.49, no.14, 2022 (SCI-Expanded)

• Publication Type: Article / Article
• Volume: 49 Issue: 14
• Publication Date: 2022
• Doi Number: 10.1029/2022gl097760
• Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters
• Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Geobase, INSPEC, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
• Keywords: lithospheric deformation, Qinling, intraplate orogeny, seismic reflection, surface-wave tomography, TECTONIC EVOLUTION, DABA SHAN, COLLISION, BELT, CONSTRAINTS, ROTATION, VELOCITY, GEOLOGY, NORTH, MODEL
• Istanbul Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

© 2022. The Authors.We combine a ∼485 km-long seismic reflection profile and a S-wave speed transect from surface-wave tomography, to reveal the lithospheric deformation mode of the intracontinental Qinling orogeny, central China. We observe a thick lithosphere keel in the convergence zone between the Yangtze Block and the North China Craton (NCC) and a shallow-crustal (8–15 km depth) décollement that extends into the lower crust of the Qinling Orogen. Combining with surface structural geology and magmatism, we interpret these seismic findings as kinematically linked features formed by renewed intracontinental convergence between the NCC and the Yangtze Block in the late Mesozoic. We highlight that the ∼40 km lithospheric thickening in the convergence zone was likely balanced by > 130 km thin-skinned crustal shortening along a crustal-scale strain-transfer décollement, and was responsible for the occurrence of late Mesozoic magmatism (∼160–100 Ma) at the southern edge of the NCC.