Lithospheric strength variations in Mainland China: tectonic implications

Abstract:

We present new thermal and strength models of Mainland China. We integrate thermal model for the crust, using a 3D steady-state heat conduction equation, with estimates for the upper mantle thermal structure obtained by inverting an S-wave tomography model. Using the new thermal model and attributing to the lithospheric layers a ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ rheology, respectively, we estimate the integrated strength of the lithosphere. In the Ordos and the Sichuan basins, characterized by intermediate temperatures, strength is primarily concentrated in the crust, when the rheology is ‘soft’, and in both the crust and upper mantle, when the rheology is ‘hard’. In turn, the Tibetan Plateau and the Tarim basin have a weak/strong lithosphere mainly on account of their high/low temperatures. Deep earthquakes releasing high seismic energy, occurring beneath Tien Shan orogen, may be related to the brittle failure of anhydrous granulite-faciesrocks composing its lower crust. In contrast, the fluids released by the Indian slab favor the triggering of earthquakes located in the deep crust of south Tibet. Comparison of temperatures, strength and effective viscosity variations with the earthquakes distribution and their seismic energy released indicates that both the deep part of the crust and the upper mantle of the Tibetan Plateau are weak and prone to flow towards the adjacent areas. On account of the high strength of some of the tectonic domains surrounding Tibet, the flow is directed northward beneath the Qaidam basin and turns south of the Sichuan basin, moving toward the weak South China block.