Paleomagnetic constraints on Paleogene-Neogene rotation and paleo-stress in the northern Qaidam Basin

Knowing the rotation and paleo-stress history in Qaidam Basin is a fundamental parameter to quantify the mechanism of intracontinental deformation in Tibetan Plateau. However, few studies have been conducted on tectonic rotation and stress evolution over long timescales in the Qaidam Basin. Here, we report new magnetic declination and the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) from a similar to 52-7 Ma sequence of fluvial and lacustrine sediments in the Dahonggou (DHG) section in the northern Qaidam Basin. The magnetic declination revealed that the northern Qaidam Basin underwent a clockwise rotation 25.1 degrees +/- 8.6 degrees during similar to 33-17 Ma, followed by a counterclockwise rotation 16.9 degrees +/- 6.8 degrees during similar to 17-13.5 Ma. The AMS results showed that the earliest deformation fabrics were interrupted by the pencil structure fabrics in the intervals of similar to 52-45 and similar to 21-15 Ma. The interruption, synchronous with the marked deceleration of the India-Asia convergence rate, indicates pulse of strong tectonic compressive stress. In addition, the AMS results documented a transition in stress direction from S-N to SW-NE at similar to 15 Ma, suggesting a kinematic shift in the northeastern TP. Our constraints on the rotation and stress from the northern Qaidam Basin support the two-stage evolution of the Altyn Tagh Fault (ATF). The fast-rate slip motion on the ATF during the early Oligocene caused the clockwise rotation in the northern Qaidam Basin; the second stage with enhanced thrusting since the middle Miocene caused extensive crustal shortening and dispersive NW-trending folds and faults in the Qaidam Basin and the northeastern TP.

Automated summary

This study investigates the tectonic rotation and stress evolution history in the Qaidam Basin using sediment samples from the Dahonggou section. The results show that the basin experienced clockwise and counterclockwise rotations, as well as different stress directions at different time intervals. These findings contribute to a better understanding of crustal deformation in the Qaidam Basin and the Tibetan Plateau.