Lithospheric Electrical Structure of the Qinling Orogen and its Geodynamic Implication

Abstract

AbstractStudying in detail three‐dimensional electrical structural features of lithospheres and combining with other geophysical and geological data in the Qinling orogenic belt, we find that since Mesozoic‐Cenozic eras, particularly late‐geological time, as a result of continuous intracontinental subduction beneath the Qinling orogen by the North China block (NCB) southward and the Yangtze block (YZB) northward, the present Hinterland fault‐bounded fold zone (HLZ) and North Qinling thick‐skinned imbricated thrust zone (NQZ), owing to the lithosphere of the South Qinling zone (SQZ) wedging into that of the NQZ, has a superimposed and thickened lithosphere and is simultaneously in initial delamination period. In contrast, the SQZ is undergoing delamination and underplating to cause mass‐energy recycling between crust and mantle, and around the Foping region probably developing a new plume. In addition, between southern and northern as well as internal lithospheric boundaries of the Qinling orogen also accompany intensive lithospheric strike‐slip faulting with different properties to lead to lateral mass transfer. Finally, we probe and discuss geodynamic implication of the coexistence of the thickened lithosphere and a large‐scale tectonic delamination as well as strike‐slip faulting.