Raising Tibet

• DOI: 10.1126/science.255.5052.1663
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T23:03:06Z
• Authors: T. Mark Harrison; Peter Copeland; W. S. F. Kidd; An Yin
• Keywords: Denudation; Mountain formation; Continental Margin; Thrust fault

Thermochronologic, sedimentologic, oceanographic, and paleoclimatic studies suggest that rapid uplift unroofing of southern Tibet began about 20 million years ago the present elevation much Tibetan plateau was attained by 8 ago. Hypotheses advanced to explain tectonic evolution India-Asia collision, which 40 50 ago, predict timing rates crustal thickening margin Asia. However, these models do not prominently enhanced early Miocene denudation are manifested in a variety geological records. A model involving continental extrusion, development crustal-scale thrust ramp Main Central Thrust beneath Gangdese belt, lithospheric delamination provides history consistent with observations.