Geomorphological and environmental evolution in the upper reaches of the Yellow River during the late Cenozoic

Abstract

Studies of the geomorphology and stratigraphy in the upper reaches of the Yellow River during the late Cenozoic demonstrate that the period of 30 - 3.4 Ma is characterized by a relatively stable tectonic setting, a persistently hot climate and a wide distribution of inland basins. This long-term stable environment resulted in a planation surface, the main surface on the Qinghai-Xizang (Qingzang) Plateau, on which red earth crust and karst arc formed. Since 3.4 Ma, the Qingzang Plateau was "uplifted as a whole massif, accompanied by the dissection and disintegration of the main surface, termination of deposition and deformation of stratigraphy in red basins, increasing relief and commencing accumulation of inland molasse formation mainly of conglomerate. Subsequent strong uplift of the Qingzang Plateau at 2.5 Ma and 1.7-1.66 Ma led to cormation of the basic geomorphological configuration of the Qingzang Plateau and occurrence of the Yellow River. These three strong uplifts of the Qingzang Plateau between 3.4 Ma and 1.7 -1.66 Ma was, therefore, named the Qingzang movement and divided correspondingly into three phases A. B and C. After the appearance of the Yellow River, the Qingzang Plateau continued uplifting intermittently, resulting in 8 valley terraces dated to 1.63. 1.5, 1.2. 0.8, 0.6, 0.15. 0.05. and 0.01 Ma. which also record the whole process of headward erosion of the Yellow River.