Advancements in deep tectonics and dynamic mechanisms beneath the eastern Tibetan Plateau—Inspirations from the 9th and 10th WTGTP Workshops

Abstract

The Tibetan Plateau, known as the "Roof of the World" , is one of the most tectonically complex areas on Earth. Its deep tectonics and dynamical mechanisms have been the focus of intense research in the fields of deep geophysics and continental dynamics. The eastern Tibetan Plateau is characterized by strong topographic fluctuations, frequent seismic activities, and abundant metal deposits, which reveal the extremely complex crust–mantle structure, deep deformation, and intense deep material movement. In recent years, with the rapid development of comprehensive geophysical observation techniques, deep structure imaging methods, and geodynamic simulations, significant progress has been made in deep tectonics, block motions, deep dynamic models, strong seismic activity, deep seismic mechanisms, as well as the deep structure of metal mineralization in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. The Workshop on Tectonics and Geophysics in the east part of Tibetan Plateau (WTGTP) is an annual academic exchange symposium for the eastern part of the Tibetan Plateau. The 9th and 10th conferences were held in Xichang, China, in 2021 and online in 2022, respectively. Based on the reports of these conferences, in combination with the relevant research results in recent years, this paper focuses on the India–Eurasian plate collision, tectonic deformation and dynamic mechanisms, and strong earthquake activity and deep seismic mechanisms in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. The paper describes the research progress pertaining to the tectonic structure, deep structural deformation, and dynamic mechanisms of the eastern Tibetan Plateau. The research prospects of further delineating the deep structure and geophysics of the Tibetan Plateau are preliminarily addressed, with the goal of providing a useful reference for interested researchers. The research in this field has great significance because it enhances our understanding of the deep tectonic processes that shape the Tibetan Plateau. Such knowledge could have implications for predicting and mitigating seismic hazards in the region. Additionally, research into the metallogenic tectonics of the eastern Tibetan Plateau may provide insights into the formation of mineral deposits in other parts of the world. Overall, research into the deep tectonics and dynamical mechanisms of the Tibetan Plateau is a complex and challenging field that requires the use of advanced technology and multidisciplinary approaches. The WTGTP provides a valuable forum for researchers to share their findings and collaborate on solutions to these geologically complex problems.

Keywords

• the eastern tibetan plateau
• wtgtp
• the india-eurasian plate collision
• dynamics
• deep tectonics