Structure and provenance of the Cretaceous Pingshanhu Basin in the Hexi Corridor: Implications for Mesozoic tectonics in the northern Tibetan Plateau

• DOI: 10.1130/ges02695.1
• Publication Date: 2024-03-08T22:15:50Z
• Authors: Wenyou Liu; Chen Wu; Jie Li; Cunhui Zhang; Tian Jiang; Andrew V. Zuza; Peter J. Haproff; Xuanhua Chen; Yahui Yue
• Keywords: Colorado plateau

Abstract The construction of Earth’s largest highland, the Tibetan Plateau, is generally considered to have been generated by Cenozoic India-Asia collision. However, extent which high topography existed prior remains unclear. Hexi Corridor foreland basin northern Plateau an ideal region in investigate this history, given its widespread exposure Early Cretaceous sedimentary sequences. In study, we examined strata understand relationships between pre-Cenozoic sedimentation and tectonic deformation constrain late Mesozoic setting adjacent Qilian Shan Alxa blocks bordering Plateau. Results sandstone petrology analyses, paleocurrent observations, U-Pb geochronology suggest that oldest sediments deposited were sourced from southern block during earliest Cretaceous. By Cretaceous, both north south. Sandstone petrologic results indicate experienced a transition contraction extension These findings was partially uplifted elevation before