A revised chronology for Tertiary sedimentation in the Sikouzi basin: Implications for the tectonic evolution of the northeastern corner of the Tibetan Plateau

The space-time pattern of development of high topography associated with the Tibetan Plateau remains incomplete, due in large part to sparse proxy data that allow estimates of the growth of individual mountain ranges. Here, we present the results of a stratigraphic investigation of a similar to 3100 m section of Tertiary fluviolacustrine strata in the Sikouzi basin, located at the northeastern most corner of the Tibetan Plateau. Results of magnetostratigraphic analysis, coupled with a newly discovered Miocene in-situ fossil assemblage, suggest that the section preserves a nearly complete record extending from initial basin formation at similar to 29 Myr until similar to 0.5 Myr. Sediment accumulation rates increase from relatively slow accumulation during the Oligocene-Miocene (similar to 9 cm/kyr) to rapid accumulation in the Pliocene (similar to 22 cm/kyr), apparently occurring in two sustained pulses at similar to 10.5 Ma and similar to 5 Ma, respectively. The increase in accumulation rates starting at similar to 10.5 Ma is interpreted as heralding the initial uplift of the Liupan Shan, consistent with cooling and exhumation of the range (Zheng et al., 2006). The Pliocene increase in accumulation rate is accompanied by a distinct change in lithofacies, the appearance of coarse detritus with provenance from the Madong Shan, and up section changes in bedding orientation that are interpreted as growth strata. Collectively, our data suggest that the generation of relief in the Madong Shan began at similar to 5.4 Ma. Moreover, analysis of paleomagnetic declinations from the Sikouzi section reveals a clockwise rotation of the Sikouzi basin during the time period 24-5.4 Ma, that was followed by a subsequent counterclockwise rotation (5.4-0.5 Ma). Our study suggests that activity along the Liupan Shan-Haiyuan fault system probably initiated at similar to 10.5 Ma, but that the present-day configuration of the fault system and associated ranges near the fault tip dates to Pliocene time. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.