201. Relationship of the Crustal Structure, Rheology, and Tectonic Dynamics Beneath the Lhasa‐Gangdese Terrane (Southern Tibet) Based on a 3‐D Electrical Model.
- Author
-
Jin, Sheng, Sheng, Yue, Comeau, Matthew J., Becken, Michael., Wei, Wenbo, Ye, Gaofeng, Dong, Hao, and Zhang, Letian
- Subjects
- *
MAGNETIC field measurements , *ELECTRICAL resistivity , *DEFORMATION of surfaces , *VERTICAL motion , *MAGNETIC declination , *HEMORHEOLOGY , *PARTIAL discharges , *MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC waves - Abstract
The tectonic dynamics of the Lhasa‐Gangdese terrane, southern Tibet, are still unclear and open questions persist regarding the structure, physical properties, and rheology of the lithosphere. A three‐dimensional electrical resistivity model was generated beneath the Lhasa terrane, 79°−94°E and 28°–33°N, an area of ∼1,500 by ∼600 km, using data from 537 magnetotelluric measurements. To overcome computational challenges, we present an approach in which multiple high‐resolution models from overlapping subregions are combined by means of an error‐weighted averaging scheme to construct a continuous electrical resistivity model. Based on the electrical structure, the rheology of the mid‐lower crust was investigated by constraining the melt fraction, in order to explore controls on dynamic mechanisms from a whole‐system perspective. The models shed light on the vertical and lateral migration of crustal materials, magma transportation, and continental deformation in the Lhasa terrane. The model shows resistive features in the south that may represent the Indian plate, and conductive features above this that may represent the migration of materials beneath the Lhasa terrane, both of which vary substantially along the Indus‐Yarlung Zangbo suture. In the mid‐lower crust, conductive features (with a likely corresponding decrease of the effective viscosity) may be related to underplating, magma reservoirs, mineralization sources, and vertical motion of buoyant materials. A weakened mid‐lower crust has consequences for surface deformation and may have contributed to the formation of (north‐south) rift zones. Furthermore, the inhomogeneous distribution of weakened areas in the mid‐lower crust has implications for the local lateral migration of materials. Plain Language Summary: There is considerable debate over the structure and dynamic processes beneath the Lhasa‐Gangdese terrane. To explore this region, variations of the electric and magnetic fields at 537 measurement locations across an array were used to generate the electrical resistivity structure in three‐dimensional. Based on the electrical structure, the volume and distribution of melt are estimated and the corresponding decrease of the effective viscosity is constrained in the mid‐lower crust. These results can help to understand the development and formation of this region and have important implications for open questions. In the south, differences in the E‐W direction may indicate a variable geometry of the underthrust Indian Plate and the southern extrusion of materials beneath the Lhasa terrane. Conductive features with high melt fraction and low viscosity in the mid‐lower crust may result from underplating, and may have contributed to past magmatic activities. Furthermore, the variation in rheology may also contribute to the surface deformation and the formation of N‐S rifts. In some areas, the weak zones in the mid‐lower crust appear to be discontinuous, and thus there are implications for the local flow of material. Key Points: We present a scheme in which separate high‐resolution 3‐D electrical resistivity models are generated and combined into a continuous modelThe distribution of partial melt is estimated throughout the crust of the Lhasa terrane, with implications for rheologyEvidence for an uneven distribution of melt along the Indian plate has implications for material migration and distinct dynamic processes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF