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The Cenozoic sediments are very thick in the southwest Tarim Basin and very thin in the northwest, but what controls these variations is unclear. Here, we use two‐dimensional thermo‐mechanical models to investigate how the lateral variations in rheological strength and depletion density of cratonic lithosphere mantle affect the cratonic basin deformation. Model results show that the basin basement uplift occurs above either the region with crustal thickening or high depletion in the mantle. A model with a stronger and density‐depleted northern half of cratonic lithosphere mantle in the context of compression matches the differential Cenozoic subsidence and deformation observed in the Tarim Basin well. We propose that a Permian plume led to the lateral heterogeneity of the lithosphere mantle under the Tarim craton, and the modified lithosphere mantle characteristics caused the differential Cenozoic sediment thickness in the Tarim Basin. Plain Language Summary: Tarim Basin is a typical intraplate cratonic basin in northwest China. It is bounded by the West Kunlun Shan to the south and the Tian Shan to the north, respectively. The Cenozoic sediment thickness in the Tarim Basin displays significant lateral variation, which cannot be explained by flexural bending of the Tarim lithosphere under orogenic loads of the West Kunlun Shan and Tian Shan. Recent geophysical data outlined the extent of the Permian plume head, which coincides with the region covered by thinnest Cenozoic sediments. Here, we conduct a series of 2‐D thermo‐mechanical numerical simulations to examine the correlation of the cratonic lithosphere mantle characteristics with cratonic basin's basement geometry. Model results show that a craton with a stronger and density‐depleted northern half of lithosphere mantle in the context of compression matches well with the south‐north differential Cenozoic subsidence and deformation in the Tarim Basin. Accordingly, we suggest that the differential Cenozoic sediment thickness in the Tarim Basin was likely caused by the Permian plume‐modified lithosphere mantle. Our study indicates that the plume‐modified mantle characteristics play a critical role in the basement deformation of the above sediment basin. Key Points: The strength and depletion density of cratonic lithosphere mantle control the deformation of cratonic lithosphere underlying sediment basinThe differential Cenozoic sediment thickness in the Tarim Basin is related to the heterogeneity of cratonic lithosphere mantleThe lithosphere mantle heterogeneity under the Tarim craton was likely caused by post‐Permian plume‐driven recratonization [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The India–Eurasia collision has produced a number of Cenozoic deep intracontinental basins, which bear important information for revealing the far‐afield responses to the remote collision. Despite their significance, their subsiding mechanism remains the subject of debate, with end‐member models attributing it to either orogenic or sedimentary load. In this study, we conduct flexural subsidence modeling with a two‐dimensional finite elastic plate model on the Hotan–Mazatagh section along the southern Tarim Basin, which defines a key region in the foreland of the West Kunlun Orogen, along the NW margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The modeling results indicate that the orogenic load of West Kunlun triggers the southern Tarim Basin to subside by up to less than ∼6 km, with its impact weakening towards the basin interiors until ∼230 km north from the Karakax fault. The sedimentary load, consisting of Cenozoic strata, forces the basin to subside by ∼2 to ∼7 km. In combination with the retreat of the proto‐Paratethys Sea and the paleogeographic reorganization of the Tarim Basin, we propose that surface processes, in particular a shift from an exorheic to an endorheic drainage system associated with the consequent thick sedimentary load, played a decisive role in forming deep intracontinental basins in the context of the India–Eurasia collision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The factors that control strain partitioning along plate boundaries and within continental interiors remains poorly resolved. Plate convergence may be accommodated via distributed crustal shortening or discrete crustal‐scale strike‐slip faulting, but what controls these differing modes of deformation is debated. Here we address this question by examining the actively deforming regions that surround the Tarim Basin in central Asia, where deformation is uniquely partitioned into predominately strike‐slip faults in the east and distributed fold‐thrust belts in the west to accommodate Cenozoic India‐Asia plate convergence. We present integrated geological and geophysical observations to elucidate patterns in crustal deformation and compositional structure in and around the Tarim Basin. The thrust‐dominated western Tarim Basin correlates with a strongly‐magnetic lower crust, whereas strike‐slip faulting along the eastern margins of the Tarim Basin lack such magnetic signals. We suggest that the lower crust of the western Tarim is more mafic and stronger than in the east, which impacts intra‐plate strain partitioning. A stronger lower crust results in vertical decoupling to drive mid‐crust horizontal detachments and facilitate thrust faulting, whereas a more homogenized crust favored vertical transcrustal strike‐slip faulting. These rheological differences likely originated from the impingement of the Permian Tarim plume focused in the west. A comparison with the Longmen Shan of eastern Tibetan Plateau reveals remarkably similar strain partitioning that correlates with variations in foreland rheology. Our results highlight how variations in lower‐crust viscosity impact strain partitioning in an intra‐plate setting and how plume processes exert a strong control on later continental tectonic processes. Plain Language Summary: Crustal deformation propagates far into the continental plate interior when continental plates collide and converge. Sometimes intra‐plate deformation is expressed via distributed crustal shortening in fold‐thrust belts and sometimes it is manifested as discrete vertical strike‐slip faults that accommodate lateral plate motion. It remains unclear what dictates which mode of deformation operates within the continental interior. Here we examined the patterns and compositional structure of deformational belts around the Tarim Basin in central Asia using integrated geological and geophysical datasets. The western Tarim Basin is characterized by distributed shortening and the eastern basin is characterized by strike‐slip faulting, and these differences correlate strength variations in the lower crust imaged via magnetic surveys and inversions. Specifically, we hypothesize the stronger crust of the western Tarim Basin allows the upper crust to detach to develop fold‐thrust belts, whereas the eastern Tarim Basin has a more homogenously strong crustal column that is cut by vertical strike‐slip faults. Our proposed model with lower‐crust rheology controlling the mode of intra‐plate deformation may be broadly applicable to zones of continental deformation. Key Points: Crustal deformation around the Tarim Basin is uniquely partitioned into predominately strike‐slip faults in the east and distributed fold‐thrust belts in the westLower crustal viscosity impacts crust‐scale deformation and strain partitioning in an intraplate settingPlume‐driven crustal modification exerts a strong control on later continental tectonic process [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau is defined by the left‐lateral Altyn Tagh fault. It remains unclear whether the Cenozoic deformation related to the India‐Asia collision has remained stationary along the Altyn Tagh fault or propagated northward into the southeastern Tarim Basin. The Cenozoic Cherchen fault is located in the southeastern Tarim Basin, ∼90–120 km north of the Altyn Tagh fault, and thus, may play a critical role in addressing this issue. Here, we used a densely‐spaced two‐dimensional seismic reflection survey to investigate the geometry and kinematics of the Cherchen fault and understand its role in the expansion of the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Our seismic study shows that the Cenozoic Cherchen fault is a high‐angle left‐lateral transpressional fault. Kinematic analysis of the Cherchen fault suggests that a restraining bend structure has formed along its central segment. Stratigraphic records suggest that the Cherchen fault initiated in the Paleozoic and reactivated during the middle Miocene (ca. 17–15.7 Ma). We infer that the dip‐slip and strike‐slip rates of the Cherchen fault are ∼0.09 mm/a and ∼1.66 mm/a, respectively. A regional cross section reveals that the northward expansion of the plateau is ongoing, but the range is limited to ∼90–120 km. We interpret that middle Miocene tectonic activity throughout the region was also concentrated along the northern plateau margin, defined by both northeast‐directed crustal shortening and northward expansion of the plateau. Key Points: The Tibetan Plateau is propagating north of the Altyn Tagh fault into the Tarim Basin, evidenced by slip along the Cherchen faultStructural analysis of the Cherchen fault suggests it is a high‐angle transpressional faultThe northward expansion of the Tibetan Plateau is ongoing but limited to ∼90–120 km [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper will first introduce the development of professional ethics of counseling and psychotherapy in mainland China. Ethical awareness is often limited due to variations in training experiences. Aligning with ethics codes can also bring challenges due to nuances within Chinese culture. Furthermore, the authors discuss the ethical challenges regarding the principles of multiple relationships, informed consent, and confidentiality in the context of Chinese culture. These ethical issues are often discussed within an individualistic cultural frame and presentation from a collectivist culture offers a unique perspective in the ethics literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop a more competent clinical supervision workforce, the Chinese clinical and counseling psychology leadership in 2015 formed a collaboration that included two Chinese professional organizations and three US psychologists. The authors describe the context for this collaboration and the resulting program, which has now trained more than 600 supervisors. We describe ways in which program content and pedagogy continually are being adapted to better ensure relevance to a Chinese audience. We also discuss the collaboration itself, including implications for those who might want to participate in a similar, cross-national collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the processes of naturalistic psychological helping (NPH) in China. The purpose of the current study was to gain a better understanding of NPH in China using qualitative methodology. Data were analyzed from 10 NPH sessions of Chinese university students who were confronted with life challenges. Five types of interaction modes were observed in the NPH process, including helpee-to-helper questions and answers, helper-to-helpee questions and answers, pulling, debating, and cooperating. Two types of interaction outcomes were also identified in the sessions – success and failure. Specifically, success outcomes were identified when problem-solving, insights, and emotional reliefs were involved; and failure outcomes were identified when pretended accepting, laying the problem aside, and digressing were involved. In general, interactions that were characterized by modes of cooperating tended to be successful, while interactions characterized by modes of pulling or debating tended to fail. Based on our analyses, it appears that NPH in China often involves looking for 解 (pronounced "jie", which means releasing or untying things in Chinese). Implications and future research directions for NPH are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key issue in the Cenozoic evolution of the Tibetan plateau is the geodynamic drivers for north‐trending rifting in southern Tibet. Recent studies have demonstrated an eastward propagation pattern for rift initiation, but the along‐strike variations remain poorly resolved. Two models that predict different north‐south rift kinematics include northward underthrusting or southward tearing of the Indian lithospheric slab, predicting a northward or southward propagation trend of individual rifts along strike, respectively. The Yadong‐Gulu rift (YGR) is an ideal case to investigate this issue due to its long strike length (∼500 km) and location above proposed slab‐tear structures. Here, we compile constraints on both rift initiation and acceleration, and report new apatite fission track and (U‐Th)/He thermochronological data along the southern segment of YGR. Our main findings are as follows. First, the rifts west of the YGR initiated simultaneously along strike, which we suggest is at odds with predictions of either slab‐tear or slab‐underthrusting models. However, most of these rifts show a northward younging pattern in rift acceleration, which may be governed by low‐angle Indian slab underthrusting released by slab tearing. Second, the initiation timing of the Yadong rift is constrained at ∼13–11 Ma. Combined with published constraints along strike, we demonstrate a clear northward propagation in rift initiation along the YGR. This kinematic pattern may be affected by its orientation of the most oblique northeast‐trending among all rift systems or the outward expansion of the Himalayan arc. Plain Language Summary: The Himalayan‐Tibetan orogen is undergoing active east‐west extension under the continuous compression of the colliding Indo‐Eurasia continents. This extension is manifested by a series of northward oriented (north‐striking) rifts in southern Tibet, the geodynamics of which is critical in revealing the Cenozoic evolution of the Tibetan Plateau. Despite the importance, their development pattern along strike has not been well understood, leaving the mechanisms that emphasize their along‐strike propagation poorly tested, such as the southward slab tearing and northward slab underthrusting models. They predict a southward or northward propagation of rifting along strike, respectively. Therefore, the along‐strike propagation process of individual rifts constitutes the key factor in distinguishing the two mechanisms. In this study, we adopted thermochronological techniques to constrain the propagation of the Yadong‐Gulu rift (YGR) that has the longest strike length. The results suggest that the YGR youngs northward, which is contrary to the situations of each rift system to its west that initiated nearly coevally along strike. This implies that the onset of north‐trending rifts should not be significantly affected by geodynamic process in N‐S direction through either slab tearing or underthrusting, while the northward younging trend of YGR is controlled largely by its oblique striking. Key Points: Initiation timing of Yadong‐Gulu rift youngs northward (Yadong at ∼13–11 Ma), but each rift system to its west initiated nearly coevally along strikeSlab tearing released subducting slab and activated slab underthrusting that causes northward rifting accelerationExtraordinary earlier initiation of the Yadong rift was related to its most oblique NE‐trending or outward expansion of the Himalayan arc [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cenozoic North Altyn Fault (NAF) is a major splay of the Altyn Tagh Fault along the northwestern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, but its role in the development of this plateau margin in response to the India‐Eurasia collision is highly debated. Here, we investigate fault geometry, kinematics, and shortening magnitude along the westernmost 120 km of the NAF. Seismic surveys reveal minimal Cenozoic shortening in the subsurface of the Southeast Tarim Basin and support for large‐scale (>120 km) left slip on the NAF. Based on the satellite imagery, two new faults are identified to define the northern boundary of the NAF system, which together with the NAF to the south constitute a narrow transpressional shear zone comprised of three basement‐cored, fault‐bound slivers. Fission track data and thermal modeling indicate that the NAF zone experienced broad reburial during early Cenozoic that was locally interrupted by ∼40 to 35 Ma exhumation proximal to the NAF, followed by widespread but heterogeneous exhumation since ∼17 to 15 Ma associated with ∼9 to 11 km of total shortening across the NAF system via thick‐skinned faulting. We conclude that the NAF initiated as a left‐slip fault at ∼40 to 35 Ma and then became transpressional at ∼17 to 15 Ma during the middle‐Miocene reorganization of the Altyn Tagh Fault system. We find no evidence to support prior inferences of large‐scale (∼100 km) underthrusting of the Tarim Basin beneath the Tibetan Plateau along the NAF. Plain Language Summary: The Cenozoic rise of the Tibetan Plateau has exerted a significant impact on the global climate and migration of Asian hominin. To reveal the growth history of the plateau, geologists rack their brains to learn how the plateau‐bounding faults have evolved in time. Here, we investigate the Cenozoic evolution of the North Altyn Fault (NAF) in the northwestern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, which generates 2–4 km topographic relief between the high plateau and low‐land Tarim Basin. Based on seismic survey, satellite imaging, and geological dating, we find that the NAF initiated with left‐lateral slip at ∼40 to 35 Ma but switched to a transpressional fault accommodating both left‐lateral and dip slips since ∼17 to 15 Ma. Our data show only 9–11 km of shortening across the NAF, which contradicts the prior view that the Tibetan Plateau was thrust over the Tarim Basin by ∼100 km. This study provides independent evidence supporting the reorganization of the Altyn Tagh Fault system at ∼17 to 15 Ma and indicates that the present‐day tectonic and topographic configurations in the northern Tibetan Plateau have developed since the middle Miocene. Key Points: The North Altyn Fault (NAF) is a transpressional shear zone comprised of narrow fault slivers and has absorbed ∼9 to 11 km of Cenozoic shorteningExtensive early Cenozoic burial was locally interrupted by ∼40 to 35 Ma exhumation, implying onset of left slip on the NAFWidespread and heterogeneous exhumation since ∼17 to 15 Ma manifests a transition from left slip to transpression on the NAF [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Altyn Tagh Fault (ATF) serves as a key continental‐scale controlling structural element of the Tibetan Plateau. However, its eastward extent remains controversial. Here we use high‐resolution seismic reflection profiles to investigate the subsurface structures of the easternmost ATF and use these to delimit the easternmost extent of the fault. The structural analyses show an eastward geometric change from transpressional positive flower structures to compressional thrusts, with transpression‐induced shortening magnitudes decreasing eastwards from a maximum of ~5.3 km to being absent. Stratigraphic controls indicate that the deformation took place over the last ~<1.2 Ma. Our wider findings lead us to: (a) reject the suggestion that the ATF previously extended beyond the Kuantan Shan‐Hei Shan to link with the Alxa‐East Mongolia Fault; and (b) propose that the rigid block model used to describe the Tibetan Plateau crust is not consistent with the extent and structural details of the easternmost ATF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qiman Tagh and the Qaidam Basin within the northern Tibetan Plateau are contrasting in geomorphological, geological, and geophysical features. The Yingxiong Range is the largest anticlinal belt in the SW Qaidam Basin and holds a key in understanding the relationship between the above two tectonic units. Herein, we investigated the geometry, shortening, timing and mechanism of the structural deformation across the Yingxiong Range by integrating field mapping, interpretation of 3‐D/2‐D seismic reflection data and analogue modeling. The structural interpretation demonstrates that the Yingxiong Range is primarily controlled by NE‐directed basement‐involved reverse faults. These faults likely sole into a décollement layer at depth of ~15 km through the excess area‐depth analysis. This pattern is complicated by the development of a local salt layer that decouples the deformation of underlying and overlying strata, as indicated by analogue modeling. Deformation initially occurred at ~8.1 Ma but strengthened at ~2.5 Ma, with total shortening up to ~5 km in the NW part but decreasing to <2 km to the SE. Together with published results, our findings revealed an NE‐directed thrust system involving the Qiman Tagh and the SW Qaidam Basin, with the Yingxiong Range as the front of this system. We further inferred that this NE‐directed thrust system in the upper crust, together with the previously identified SW‐directed deep reverse fault offsetting the Moho, may form a southwestward tapering tectonic wedge, which likely results from the heterogeneity of lithospheric mantle between the Qaidam Basin and the Qiman Tagh‐East Kunlun Shan. Key Points: Yingxiong Range is controlled by NE‐directed basement‐involved reverse faults with shallow deformation complicated by a local salt layerYingxiong Range was the front of an NE‐directed thrust system involving the Qiman Tagh and the Qaidam Basin in the upper crustSouthwestward tapering wedge tectonics across the Qiman Tagh and the Qaidam Basin result from mantle heterogeneity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust shortwave absorbability suffers from significant uncertainties. We investigated the radiative effects of dust aerosols from the circum‐Tibet region using four shortwave absorbability schemes and examined their impacts on the East Asian summer monsoon by using the Community Earth System Model (CESM). We adopted superspheroidal models to compute dust aerosol optical properties and found that more absorptive particles have larger asymmetry factor and lower single‐scattering albedo. Meiyu precipitation, as a part of the East Asian summer monsoon, is weakened by dust aerosols, particularly for the convective precipitation. The mechanism is that dust aerosols transported mainly from the Gobi desert radiatively heat the lower atmosphere to the north of the Meiyu rainband and decrease the meridional temperature gradient, leading to the weakening of the midtropospheric westerly jet over the Meiyu rainband, which is important for convection. More absorptive dust aerosols with a stronger radiative heating effect inhibit more convective Meiyu precipitation. Plain Language Summary: The circum‐Tibet region including the Taklimakan and Gobi deserts is the major source region of dust aerosols in East Asia particularly during the spring and summer seasons. Meiyu, as a part of the East Asian summer monsoon, generally occurs from mid‐June to mid‐July and often shows a tilt rain band extending from southwest to east China. The Letter reports on our finding about the relationship between dust shortwave absorbability (the amount of solar radiation absorbed by dust) and Meiyu precipitation. For weakly absorptive dust aerosols, convective Meiyu precipitation is rarely changed by dust aerosols; however, for strongly absorptive dust aerosols, convective Meiyu precipitation is significantly decreased. The impact of dust absorbability on Meiyu precipitation is explained through atmospheric heating rate, temperature, and wind field changes. This Letter emphasizes the urgent need of a more accurate knowledge of dust shortwave absorbability for climate modeling since significant uncertainties of refractive indices exist and new evidences show that Asian dust could be less absorptive than previously believed. Key Points: Dust shortwave absorbability affects single‐scattering albedo and asymmetry factorDust aerosols inhibit convective Meiyu precipitation depending on absorbabilityMidtropospheric westerly jet is weakened by dust aerosols causing decreased convective precipitation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind erosion is an important surface process on terrestrial planets but is difficult to quantify particularly on long‐term timescales. Here we use high‐resolution Terrestrial Laser Scanning and cosmogenic Beryllium‐10 (10Be) exposure dating to investigate the yardangs, a wind‐eroded landform with aerodynamic forms, within the western Qaidam Basin, Central Asia. The results indicate that the yardangs started to form at ~105 ka, coincident with the early phase of the arid last glacial period. We further calibrated the wind erosion rate in the last glacial period to be ~0.26 mm/a, twice as fast as that of the present‐day interglacial period in our study site. Our results highlight the severe wind erosion during glacial periods and emphasize the fundamental control of global glacial‐interglacial climate oscillations on the secular variation in wind erosion in the Qaidam Basin during the late Quaternary period. Plain Language Summary: Wind prevails in arid to semiarid regions on the Earth and other terrestrial planets (e.g., Mars), forming distinctive landforms such as yardangs, sand dunes, and pans. It removes surficial rocks and soils over large areas and transports them tens to thousands of kilometers away before final deposition on land or in the ocean. Despite its importance as a facilitator of mass transport on the surface, we know little about how and when the wind erosion operates on the Earth and its relationship with global climate change. Through a detailed study of yardangs in the Qaidam Basin, one of the driest deserts in Central Asia, we determined that (1) the wind erosion that shaped the modern yardangs initiated in the early phase of the last glacial period (~105 ka) in the Qaidam Basin and (2) wind erosion during the last glacial period was twice as fast as that in the present‐day interglacial period in our study site, providing the first quantitative evaluation of the severe wind erosion during the cold and dry glacial periods of the Quaternary. Our findings yield meaningful insights in the link between climate change and aeolian processes. Key Points: We investigated yardangs in the Qaidam Basin using high‐resolution Terrestrial Laser Scanning and cosmogenic 10Be exposure datingModern yardangs formed since ~105 ka, in the early phase of the cold and arid last glacial period that facilitated intense wind erosionWind erosion rates during the last glacial period were twice as fast as that of the present‐day interglacial period in the study site [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geophysical features and crustal structure of the East China Sea basement were revealed based on geophysical inversion analysis with recent gravity and magnetic data. Our results show great differences between the East China Sea continental shelf basins and the Zhemin Volcanic Belt in the coastal South China Block with respect to geophysical features and crustal structures. These areas are separated by distinct geophysical and crustal changes, approximately along a line 100 km from the coastline of China. We hypothesize that the East China Sea basement is a buoyant allochthon in the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate, and that the East China margin was an Andean‐type active continental margin until the collision of the East China Sea basement with the South China Block in the Late Cretaceous, which jammed the Late Cretaceous Trench, terminating the subduction and the related granitoid magmatism. The East China continental margin was dominated by dextral transtension with limited magmatism due to the NNW‐trend motion of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate with a reduced convergence rate until the Middle Eocene. The renewed westward subduction of the present‐day Pacific Plate replaced the East China Andean‐type continental margin with a Western Pacific‐type one. The detailed reconstructed tectonic model for the East China Sea since the Mesozoic is presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global rise in sea level during the Late Cretaceous has been an issue under discussion by the international geological community. Despite the significance, its impact on the deposition of continental basins is not well known. This paper presents the systematic review on stratigraphy and sedimentary facies compiled from 22 continental basins in northern Africa. The results indicate that the region was dominated by sediments of continental facies during Early Cretaceous, which were replaced by deposits of marine facies in Late Cretaceous. The spatio-temporal distribution of sedimentary facies suggests marine facies deposition reached as far south as Taoudeni-Iullemmeden-Chad-Al Kufra-Upper Egypt basins during Turonian to Campanian. These results indicate that northern Africa underwent significant transgression during Late Cretaceous reaching its peak during Turonian to Coniacian. This significant transgression has been attributed to the global high sea-level during this time. Previous studies show that global rise in sea level in Late Cretaceous may have been driven by an increase in the volume of ocean water (attributed to high CO concentration and subsequently warm climate) and a decrease in the volume of the ocean basin (attributed to rapid production of oceanic crust and seamounts). Tectonic mechanism of rapid production of oceanic crust and seamounts could play a fundamental role in driving the global rise in sea level and subsequent transgression in northern Africa during Late Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western Kunlun thrust belt defines the boundary between the stable Tarim Basin in the north and the intensely deformed Cenozoic Tibetan Plateau in the south. Because of its important tectonic position, understanding its tectonic evolution should have important implications for propagation of deformation from Tibet to its neighboring cratonal regions during India-Eurasia convergence. We here present new structural analyses based on field investigations and seismic reflection profiles across the Hotan-Tiklik segment of the western Kunlun thrust belt. The results indicate that the structural section crosses two major thrust zones: the Tiklik zone in the hinterland to the south and the Hotan zone in the foreland to the north. Within these, the Hotan thrust zone is thin skinned, with its deformation characterized by fault-bend folding and fault slipping along detachment layers, whereas the Tiklik thrust zone involves basement, with its deformation driven by the currently steeply dipping Tiklik fault. Results from apatite fission track thermochronology in combination with growth strata and balanced cross section indicate that the Hotan-Tiklik segment underwent two-stage deformation: (1) development of the Tiklik thrust during the late Oligocene–early Miocene and again since the mid- to late Miocene and (2) activity of the Hotan thrust since the mid- to late Miocene as a result of basinward propagation of thrusting. The balanced cross section, combined with the apatite fission track results, suggests that the Hotan-Tiklik segment contributes a total shortening magnitude of more than ca. 34 ± 6 km. Within this, ca. 4 ± 2 and ca. 23 ± 1 km of the shortenings were absorbed by the Hotan anticline and the Hotan detachment fault, respectively, both of which were related to detachment layers. This suggests that detachment layers played an efficient role in propagating deformation from the western Tibetan Plateau into the Tarim Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pamir region, located to the northwest of the Tibetan Plateau, provides important information that can aid the understanding of the plateau's tectonic evolution. Here we present new findings on the deformation geometry and timing of the Wupoer thrust belt at the northeastern margin of Pamir. Field investigations and interpretations of seismic profiles indicate that the eastern portion of the Wupoer thrust belt is dominated by an underlying foreland basin and an overlying piggy-back basin. A regional unconformity occurs between the Pliocene (N) and the underlying Miocene (N) or Paleogene (Pg) strata associated with two other local unconformities between Lower Pleistocene (Q) and N and between Middle Pleistocene (Q) and Q strata. Results of structural restorations suggest that compressional deformation was initiated during the latest Miocene to earliest Pliocene, contributing a total shortening magnitude of 48.6 km with a total shortening rate of 48.12%, most of which occurred in the period from the latest Miocene to earliest Pliocene. These results, combined with previous studies on the Kongur and Tarshkorgan extensional system, suggest an interesting picture of strong piedmont compressional thrusting activity concurrent with interorogen extensional rifting. Combining these results with previously published work on the lithospheric architecture of the Pamir, we propose that gravitational collapse drove the formation of simultaneous extensional and compressional structures with a weak, ductile middle crustal layer acting as a décollement along which both the extensional and compressional faults merged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sikouzi Section is located towards the northern limits of the East Asian summer monsoon, providing the opportunity of placing the stratigraphic record into the context of the East Asian summer monsoon history. We present here the results of the details of the sedimentology of the Neogene succession of the section and use these to provide insights into the evolving history of the East Asian summer monsoon. The record is marked by a strongly expressed early Miocene lacustrine phase. A well-defined evaporate bed defines the top of the lacustrine succession, marking the onset of more arid conditions during the middle Miocene. The overlying succession is dominated by a series of alluvial packages, extending into the late Pleistocene with varying stratigraphic architectures and including a subordinate lacustrine component. Given the regional setting, the onset of drier conditions during the middle Miocene must relate to a downturn of summer monsoon activity. We focus on the question: what 'forced' this palaeoclimate event? Earlier biostratigraphic work places the explanation of this change into the context of the global-scale middle Miocene climate reorganisation. Here we explore this question in the context of regional-scale climate dynamics and propose that the onset of drier conditions over the study area was a response to atmospheric subsidence driven by circulation changes related to the growth of the Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The East Asian monsoon forms a significant element of the global climatic system. We here present detailed sedimentologic investigations of the Oligocene to early Miocene succession in the Sikouzi section, northern China, to determine monsoon evolution during this time. The particle-size characteristics and grain surface structures, in combination with the large-scale cross-bedding arrangements, graded bedding laminations, and small-scale deformation structures, type the Oligocene red beds in association I as eolian, attributable to large dune forms. Rare earth element results imply that the Oligocene sediments are possibly sourced from a local provenance in the West Qinling Mountains, excluding a more regional wind system during this time. Packages of thick-bedded dark-red mudstone/silty mudstone as well as subordinate medium-bedded pale-gray fine- to medium-grained sandstone and thin-bedded gypsum, with the massive mudstone/silty mudstone taking dominance, point to a lacustrine deposition with deeper-lake phases taking dominance for the early Miocene association II. This significant transition in depositional environments, while possibly linked to local tectonic and/or global eustatic events, is more likely to reflect a shift of regional paleoclimates from arid to more humid regimes. We attribute the shift to the impact of an active East Asian summer monsoon. Our results, combined with those for previously well-defined loess in the early Miocene, demonstrate activity (onset or possibly intensification) of an East Asian monsoon system around the Oligocene-Miocene boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]