How did the towering Himalayan-Tibetan orogen come to be? This review synthesizes the geologic history of the Himalayan-Tibetan orogen, estimating that at least 1400 km of north-south shortening has been absorbed since the Indo-Asian collision began around 70 Ma. The construction of the Tibetan plateau initiated roughly synchronously in the Eocene (50–40 Ma) in both the Tethyan Himalaya and the Kunlun Shan, signifying a widespread deformation event. This review emphasizes that the Paleozoic and Mesozoic tectonic histories profoundly influenced the Cenozoic strain patterns. The correlation between Triassic flysch complexes in various terranes and Cenozoic volcanism highlights this influence. The study contrasts the seismic properties of the crust and upper mantle between southern and central Tibet, attributing the differences to both Mesozoic and Cenozoic tectonics. Ultimately, this analysis posits that Mesozoic tectonics played a decisive role in localizing Tertiary contractional deformation, leading to the release of water into the upper mantle and lower crust, thus causing partial melting in the lithosphere and crust of central Tibet. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the complex processes that shaped one of the world's most prominent geological features, underscoring the interplay of ancient and recent tectonic events.
This article, published in the Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, aligns perfectly with the journal's focus on comprehensive reviews of significant topics in earth science. The synthesis of the Himalayan-Tibetan orogen's geologic history and the integration of diverse geological data contribute significantly to the understanding of continental collision and plateau formation.
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