Tectonic Setting Research Articles

The Longshou Shan area is located on the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau in northwest China. The study area is located where the sinistral Altyn Tagh and Haiyuan Faults overlap and the Qilian Shan thrust fault systems in the northeastern Kunlun–Qaidam Block converge. This region experiences frequent seismic events, including large-magnitude earthquakes, which are significant indicators of ongoing tectonic deformation and stress accumulation in the Earth’s crust. The seismicity of Longshou Shan is not only a consequence of its tectonic setting but also a key factor in understanding the seismic hazard posed to the surrounding areas. The tectonic activity within the Longshou Shan region of NW China is a focus of our geomorphological research due to its significance in understanding the complex interactions between tectonic forces and surface processes. Situated on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau and along the eastward trace of the Altyn Tagh Fault, Longshou Shan is crucial for investigating the plateau’s northward expansion. This study leverages ALOS-based digital elevation models (DEMs) and geomorphic indices to evaluate the tectonic activity in the area, employing various indices such as mountain front sinuosity, valley floor width-to-height ratio, hypsometric curves, asymmetry factors, basin shape indices, and channel steepness index to provide a comprehensive tectonomorphological analysis. Our results indicate intense tectonic activity on both sides of Longshou Shan, making it a highly hazardous seismic area. We also highlight the importance of thrust faults and related crustal shortening in the formation and expansion of the plateau.

Mafic mineral chemistry as an insight into magma characteristics, tectonic settings and mineralization in three magmatic Ni-Cu deposits in North Xinjiang, NW China

Identifying ore-forming magma and tectonic setting of the Tongshan porphyry Cu deposit, NE China: Evidence from zircon trace elements and U–Pb–Hf isotopes

Abstract Extensional tectonic settings may undergo time‐dependent kinematic changes, causing a multiphase evolution of the resulting fault networks. Yet, the spatial and temporal evolution of fault networks during triaxial and biaxial strain remains underexplored. Here we present scaled analogue models to investigate fault geometry, activity, and patterns across multiple phases of triaxial (constrictional) and biaxial (plane) strain. Our models show that (a) during the shift from biaxial to triaxial strain, first‐phase normal faults are fully reactivated and new conjugate sets of oblique‐slip faults develop during the subsequent triaxial phase. (b) During the shift from triaxial to biaxial strain, first‐phase conjugate sets of oblique‐slip faults either become inactive or are partly reactivated, while being cut across and linked up by new faults during subsequent biaxial strain. Our results illustrate kinematic interactions within multiphase fault networks, showing how perturbations in stress domains control the geometry of new faults and how earlier dominant faults create mechanical obstacles that hinder fault propagation. Finally, we compare the fault network evolution in our models to natural examples. The transition from biaxial to triaxial strain reflects the two‐phase deformation observed in the Aegean Sea, where pre‐existing normal faults were reactivated and new oblique‐slip normal faults developed. Similarly, a shift from triaxial to biaxial strain explains the faulting patterns in the Barents Sea during the Late Mesozoic to Early Cenozoic, which exhibit abandoned, reactivated, and newly developed faults.

Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) was employed using data from 52 seismic stations – 26 from the Thai Meteorological Network and 26 from surrounding networks, collected over a specific time frame. Dispersion curves were systematically stacked over three-month intervals to mitigate seasonal variations, accepting only those with SNR ≥ 2 and SD ≤ 0.1 km·s-¹. Rigorous parameter tests validated the methodology, which was found to be particularly appropriate for seismic investigations in the geologically complex regions of Thailand, the Malaysia Peninsula and the Thailand Peninsula, emphasising the Central Basin. The study generated detailed Rayleigh-wave group-velocity maps, revealing significant lateral variations in seismic velocities. High-velocity zones were predominantly associated with the Shan-Thai Terrane, whereas low-velocity areas were observed in Northern Thailand, the West-Burma Terrane and the Khorat Plateau. Comparative analysis with existing studies corroborates the validity of our methodology. The results provide a detailed characterisation of the seismic landscape, encompassing structures from the upper crust to deeper features such as the mid-crustal Conrad discontinuity. This study has wider implications for earthquake preparedness and resource exploration, while also acknowledging specific limitations associated with data constraints. Overall, this study affirms the effectiveness of ANT as an invaluable tool for seismic research in regions with intricate geological histories and active tectonic settings.

Decoding Sediment Provenance and Tectonic Setting through Integrated Heavy Mineral and XRD analyses: Insights from the Imiegba Sedimentary Deposit, Southern Nigeria

The Altyn Tagh Fault plays a critical role in understanding the tectonic evolution of the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. However, considerable debate persists regarding its activity and deformation history. This study investigates volcanic rocks from the Beidayao-Jianquanzi-Hanxia-Hongliuxia area in the eastern segment of the fault. By employing zircon U-Pb dating, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr-Nd isotope analysis, we aim to elucidate their petrogenesis and tectonic setting, thereby providing new insights into the crustal evolution of the eastern Altyn Tagh Fault. Zircon U-Pb dating of the Hongliuxia rhyolite yields a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 106.6 ± 0.6 Ma, indicating an Early Cretaceous eruption. Geochemically, the western part of the study area (Beidayao and Jianquanzi) is dominated by basalts that exhibit significant enrichment in large ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements, together with high Nb concentrations (>20 ppm), as well as high Nb/La (0.64–1.12) and Nb/U (29.8–35.42) ratios, consistent with the characteristics of high-Nb basalt. In contrast, the eastern area (Hanxia and Hongliuxia) is characterized by andesitic rocks that display typical continental arc affinities, marked by enrichment in Th, U, and Pb and depletion in Nb, Ta, and Ti. Isotopically, the basalts show initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.706–0.707 and εNd (t) values ranging from −3.2 to 0.8, whereas the andesites possess more radiogenic Sr isotopic compositions, with (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.710–0.717, and more negative εNd (t) values from −11.4 to −1.5, suggesting derivation from an enriched mantle source. Integrating geochemical data with regional geological records, we propose that the eastern part of the Altyn Fault experienced a significant intracontinental extensional setting during the Early Cretaceous, where asthenospheric mantle upwelling played a key role in the generation of the volcanic rocks. This study provides key petrological and geochemical constraints on Early Cretaceous deformation and activity along the Altyn Tagh Fault, and also offers a valuable reference for understanding the evolution of similar fault systems.

Metabasic rocks (eclogites and amphibolites) from four Betic ophiolite outcrops (Lugros, Almirez, Cóbdar, and Algarrobo), comprising Ol-Px gabbros, dolerites, and MORB-affinity basalts, were studied. U-Pb SHRIMP zircon dating yielded Early to Middle Jurassic ages (187–174 Ma). At Cóbdar and Algarrobo, several magmatic levels were identified (187 ± 1.7 to 174 ± 1.8 Ma, and 184 ± 1.8 to 180 ± 1.6 Ma, respectively). In Lugros, two gabbros were dated to 187 ± 2.5 and 184 ± 1.4 Ma, while a dolerite dyke intruding serpentinites in Almirez gave 184 ± 1.6 Ma. Algarrobo xenocrystic zircons, predominantly Precambrian, resemble those from the MAR (13° N–15° N) in age and chemistry, suggesting a similar tectonic setting. δ18O values (4.2–6.2‰) of Betic ophiolite zircons (gabbros, basalts, dolerites) match those of MAR and SWIR samples, reflecting also oceanic alteration. Some zircons preserve δ18O variations linked to Jurassic (~150 Ma) oceanic metamorphism and later orogenic overprints. REE patterns show depletions in HREE and Y, with localized enrichments in LREE and Hf, which are more marked in metamorphically recrystallized zones. Xenocrystic zircons may derive from Precambrian protoliths assimilated during Jurassic magma ascent near transform faults. This integrated geochronological and geochemical evidence provides the key constraints for a revised geodynamic framework, confirming the existence of a Betic Jurassic ocean basin, which is a crucial precursor to the Alpine orogenic events that shaped the region.

ABSTRACT We report an Early Palaeozoic granitic body intruding into the Bitlis Massif and present new zircon U–Pb geochronology, in situ zircon Hf isotopes and trace element data, whole-rock geochemistry, and Nd isotope compositions to better constrain the origin and tectonic setting of Kızılağaç metagranite near Muş area, Southeastern Türkiye. Zircon U–Pb dating reveals emplacement ages ranging from 543 ± 11 Ma to 525.4 ± 17 Ma, indicating that the granitic body intruded the Precambrian basement units during Early Cambrian. Kızılağaç metagranite, comprising monzogranite and granodiorite in modal composition, is characterized by high silica (SiO₂ = 76.95–80.68 wt. %) and high total alkali content (K₂O + Na₂O = 6.39–8.93 wt. %). Geochemically, the rocks are peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.02–1.11) and exhibit a high-K calc-alkaline affinity. They display low Sr concentrations (5.59–65.86 ppm), pronounced negative Eu anomalies, and elevated Ga/Al ratios, all consistent with an A-type granite affinity. The samples show negative εNd(t) values ranging from −2.90 to −1.97 and zircon εHf(t) values between −5.07 and +6.64, with low Mg# values (14–45). Combined with petrographic observations, these geochemical characteristics suggest that the parental magma of the Kızılağaç metagranite was derived from partial melting of both juvenile and older lower continental crust, followed by extensive feldspar-dominated fractional crystallization during magma ascent. Prolonged magmatic evolution likely led to the extraction of highly fractionated, silicic melt from the magma chamber, resulting in the formation of the peraluminous, high-silica A-type Kızılağaç metagranite. We propose that Cambrian magmatism in the Bitlis Massif is related to crustal thinning associated with the waning stages of the Cadomian orogeny along the northern margin of Gondwana. The transition from a convergent margin to an extensional regime was possibly triggered by slab break-off of the Proto-Tethys oceanic lithosphere following a ridge-trench collision during the Early Cambrian.

Abstract The Paleogene magmatic arc in Luzon marks the onset of island arc formation within the Philippine island arc system. This study examines the Late Eocene to Late Oligocene Bangui Formation, the oldest sedimentary sequence exposed in Northern Luzon. Whole-rock geochemical compositions of its clastic rocks are presented for the first time to provide key insights into its provenance and tectonic setting. Bivariate and ternary diagrams, using major (e.g., TiO2 vs Al2O3) and trace element compositions (e.g., low La/Th and low Hf), suggest multiple sources for the Bangui Formation. Tectonic discrimination diagrams, showing low La (< 20) and Th (< 5) concentrations, indicate an oceanic island arc setting. The mineral chemistry of the Bangui sandstones was also analyzed for the first time. The results reveal that the plagioclases contain low orthoclase content, with some grains exhibiting a more albitic composition. Whole-rock geochemistry and mineral chemistry data suggest that the clasts of the Bangui Formation were derived from the volcanic unit of the Caraballo Formation, with contributions from intermediate to felsic units in the Caraballo Range. It is inferred that an Early Eocene (or older) proto-North Luzon Arc source (pNLA) contributed to the Bangui clastic rocks. Our results show that the integrated use of whole-rock geochemical and mineral chemistry data, complementary to field geological data, offers a robust approach to deciphering the provenance and tectonic setting of clastic rocks in northern Luzon. The field geological and geochemical signatures of these clastic rocks provide crucial information on the early Cenozoic history of the Philippine island arc system. This hopefully can contribute to unravelling the complex geologic history of this part of the Western Pacific region.

The lithology, composition, U-Pb LA-ICP-MS ages of detrital zircons from sediments of the Western Kamchatka Basin (Russian Far East) provide important insight into paleogeography and tectonic setting of the Sea of Okhotsk in the Eocene. Our study is based on mapping, structural observations, descriptions of the sections and lithology, composition of the sandstones, and U-Pb LA-ICP-MS dating and morphology analysis of detrital zircons from the Eocene sandstones of the Western Kamchatka Basin. The provenance for the sandstones is mainly associated with orogen recycling in magmatic arcs. The analysis of heavy minerals indicates mafic to sialic sources. The mafic terranes of the Asian margin on the west or/and Olyutorka-Kamchatka ensimatic island arc affected the mechanism transferring the basic material to the Western Kamchatka Basin in the Eocene. The sialic clasts originated from continental blocks of the Asian margin and the Okhotsk-Chukotka volcanic belt.New data allow us to prove that the erosion of the Okhotsk-Chukotka belt had a significant influence on the sedimentation system in the north of the Sea of Okhotsk in the Eocene. We can assume that the Paleo-Penzhina River system already existed in the Eocene. The existence of the sialic sources in Eocene allows us to assume the possibility of finding the good quality collectors in the Eocene deposits of the Western Kamchatka Basin and the north of the Sea of Okhotsk.

This study involves the petrographic and geochemical assessment of Neoproterozoic metasandstones associated with the Buem Structural Unit (BSU) ophiolite in northwest Benin Republic in order to infer their tectonic setting, provenance history, and weathering in the source area. Petrographically, the metasandstones are quartz-rich with subordinate K-feldspar content and classified as quartz-rich and sublitharenite on the relevant geochemical scheme. The REE spider diagram of the rocks exhibits positive peaks for Ba, Hf and Zr and a negative peak for Sr on the chondrite profile. The chemical indexes of alteration, including CIA (23.06–80.92), PIA (16.07–62.64) and K 2 O/Na 2 O (average: 18.89) values, suggest minor to moderate weathering for the metasandstones of the BSU. On the provenance discrimination diagrams of La/Yb versus Ce, La/Th versus Hf and La/Sc versus Th/Co, BSU metasandstone samples plot predominantly in the felsic parentage field. This implies that the sediments mainly derive from felsic igneous rocks with a minor contribution from intermediate and mafic igneous sources. Tectonic setting discrimination diagrams suggest a passive continental margin in a collisional setting. The paleoclimatic condition evaluation based on major elements indicates semihumid to humid conditions. The petrographic and geochemical features of the metasandstones are consistent with siliciclastic rocks formed in a passive continental margin, similar to the West African Craton terrane. The deposition of these sediments may have started from the early stage of rifting until the Pan-African collision involving the WAC, Sahara metacraton, and Benin-Nigerian Shield, from which the Dahomeyide orogenic belt formed. These results place positive constraints on the rift–subduction–collision geodynamic model proposed for the evolution of the Dahomeyide orogen.

ABSTRACTThe West Qinling Orogen, located at the junction of the North China Craton, the South China Craton, and the Qiangtang Block, preserves critical geological records of the amalgamation of these various blocks and, consequently, the formation of the central China continent. The successions deposited in this region contain essential sedimentary evidence that aids in reconstructing the regional tectonic geography. This helps to clarify the complex processes involved in continental assembly. This study presents new zircon U–Pb geochronology, Hf isotope, and whole‐rock geochemistry data from Triassic turbidites and mafic intrusions in the West Qinling Orogen, aiming to unravel a complex tectonic history—from basin evolution to continental amalgamation. The significant spatial and temporal variation in sedimentary provenance indicates a dynamic evolution of palaeogeography in the West Qinling Orogen, which is closely linked to oceanic subduction, closure, and the eventual amalgamation of the North and South China cratons. The data suggest that basin evolution and the tectonic setting occurred in three distinct stages: (1) a back‐arc extensional tectonic setting, (2) the southward migration of arc magmatism driven by the northward subduction and rollback of the Paleo‐Tethyan oceanic lithosphere, and (3) the oblique amalgamation of the North and South China cratons, resulting in the diachronous closure of the depositional system from east to west. Furthermore, a comprehensive comparison of basin evolution with other successions from multiple locations provides a broader perspective on the tectonic and palaeogeographical evolution and amalgamation processes during the formation of the central China continent.

Petrography and geochemistry of the Girujan Clay Formation in the Upper Assam Shelf, NE India: insights into provenance, tectonic settings, source area weathering, and redox conditions

The Sin Quyen deposit in northern Vietnam is a representative Fe – Cu – REE (iron – copper – rare earth element) system genetically linked to prolonged magmatism and structurally controlled fluid flow. This study integrates fluid inclusion, isotopic, and mineral c hemical data to define a three - stage hydrothermal evolution: (1) an early high - temperature REE stage (~880 Ma), (2) a main - stage Fe – Cu stage (~840 Ma), and (3) a late Cu – Au overprint (~35 Ma). The early REE stage involved high - temperature, modera te - salinity fluids of crustal origin. The main Fe – Cu stage was driven by moderate - temperature fluids with a significant mantle component, as indicated by Nd – S isotopes. The late epithermal Cu – Au stage was facilitated by low - temperature meteoric fluids duri ng Paleogene tectonic reactivation. The entire system developed in an active continental margin, where episodic subduction - related magmatism and crust – mantle interaction were critical for metal endowment. This model underscores the importance of targeting areas with long - lived, composite magmatic - hydrothermal history for regional IOCG and REE exploration in Southeast Asia. Our findings provide a robust framework for identifying similar polyphase mineralization systems in analogous tectonic settings, particu larly along reactiated structures in ancient continental margins .

Abstract The relationships between plate tectonics, volcanoes, and the magma compositions they erupt are very important for understanding the whole-earth geodynamics. This requires the integration of global datasets from different sources and tools that allow us to visualize and access the data in an efficient manner, which is a challenging task. Here, we report a new version of the application tool called DashVolcano, which has linked the global record of all Holocene volcanoes from the Global Volcanism Program with the major element composition of erupted rocks from GEOROC and PetDB databases (~ 140,000 rock samples in total) according to tectonic settings. The tool allows us to visualize the volcanic rock names at a global scale with a map view and to plot their compositions using classical geochemical diagrams (Harker, TAS, AFM) for individual volcanoes or for a region of interest. Moreover, radar plots permit the visualization of the relative abundance of rock types per volcano or per region of interest and how they compare to various tectonic settings. Rock abundances can also be visualized according to the number of samples per volcano in order to better consider potential biases due to large differences in sample availability between volcanoes. The updated DashVolcano application allows us to explore a range of questions related to the abundance of erupted magma types in different tectonic settings, the differences in rock composition within or between chosen regions, volcanoes, and tectonic settings. DashVolcano should be a useful tool for research and teaching, and it is a good example of the challenges and opportunities of linking large databases at a global scale. DashVolcano is publicly available at https://dashvolcano.ipgp.fr/.

Abstract. The southern and south-eastern parts of Spain exhibit the highest seismicity rate in the country. However, although the recently developed Quaternary Active Fault database of Iberia (QAFI, García-Mayordomo et al., 2012) collected the available information existing in the study area regarding fault data for their use in seismic hazard applications, this information is of limited use since data quality is very heterogeneous: few earthquakes are associated with specific fault segments, and occurrence time periods (when indicated) are affected by high uncertainties (Gaspar-Escribano et al., 2015). This has motivated the definition of alternative tectonic zonation models, to be used for evaluating the seismic hazard. So far, the clustering properties have not been considered in this regard, though they can provide essential information about the features of seismic energy release, depending on the tectonic style of a region (Talebi et al., 2024). This is why in this work the properties of the seismicity in terms of clustering are evaluated by applying the nearest-neighbour (NN) algorithm to the south-eastern Spain region. The scale parameters needed for the NN algorithm are optimised through the study of the z score and the temporal anomalies between events in the identified clusters for each run. The tree structure, using graph theory notation, has proved useful in the determination of the critical threshold that separates the background (independent) seismicity from the clustered (dependent) seismicity in the NN algorithm. Once the clusters have been identified, their properties have been quantified in terms of a selection of complexity measures: outdegree, closeness and average node depth. This procedure has been applied by considering two different completeness magnitudes: Mw 3.0 (the mean completeness magnitude for the entire catalogue) and Mw 2.1 (accounting for the most recent part of the catalogue). The results are similar in terms of proportion of foreshocks, mainshocks and aftershocks, and indicate a clear distinction between the western-most part (higher complexity) and eastern-most part (lower complexity). To check this result, three different zonation models have been examined and cross-compared; two of them passed the Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) test, meaning the distributions of the selected complexity measures are not the same for the different zones defined in the models. These zonations can be used in order to assess the seismic hazard, as they account for the influence of the tectonic setting on the patterns of earthquake occurrence, including the features of background and clustered seismicity components.

ABSTRACTNb‐enriched basalt is a distinct type of island arc basalt characterised by unique geochemical signatures. The basalts and basaltic andesites of the Dahalajunshan Formation, primarily composed of plagioclase and olivine phenocrysts, constitute the dominant lithology of the Early Carboniferous marine strata in the Wusun Mountain region of the Yili Block. Thirty LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb measurements yielded a concordant 206Pb/238U age of 343.8 ± 5.7 Ma (MSWD = 1.3), confirming an Early Carboniferous age, which is temporally consistent with spatially associated adakites. Geochemically, the basalts exhibit arc‐like signatures (LREE enrichment, HREE depletion, pronounced Nb, Ta and Ti negative anomalies) but are distinguished by elevated TiO2 (1.66–3.04 wt%), P2O5 (0.47–1.74 wt%) and significant enrichments in Nb (> 7 ppm), Sr (> 500 ppm) and Zr (> 170 ppm; Zr/Y > 4). Their low (La/Nb)PM (avg. 2.59) and high (Nb/Th)PM (avg. 0.64), coupled with uniform Sr–Nd isotopes (87Sr/86Srᵢ = 0.70440–0.70494; εNd(t) = +1.58 to +3.08), confirm affinities to Nb‐enriched basalts rather than normal island arc basalts, implying a unique subduction‐modified mantle source. Comprehensive analysis suggests that the Nb‐enriched basaltic magma of Wusun Mountain was derived from a spinel‐phase lherzolite source. It is proposed that adakitic melts, generated by the partial melting of subducting slabs, metasomatically interact with the mantle peridotite, inducing partial melting and the formation of Nb‐enriched basaltic magma. The discovery of Nb‐enriched island arc basalts in the Wusun Mountain region provides new evidence for the subduction‐related tectonic setting of the Yili Block during the Early Carboniferous and temporally constrains the closure of the Tianshan palaeo‐ocean basin to post‐date this period. These findings offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of Nb enrichment in arc magmas and the prolonged subduction evolution of the Chinese Western Tianshan orogenic belt.

The Carpathian region of Ukraine plays a critical role in seismic monitoring due to its tectonic setting and proximity to the Vrancea Seismic Zone, which is known for its deep‑focus earthquakes. The regional seismic network across western Ukraine, covering the Carpathian and adjacent areas, currently comprises 22 stations, of which 5 are not operational, 18 stations continue to operate with Soviet‑era long‑ or short‑period sensors. Data from these stations are archived locally and are not publicly accessible. Five stations in the Carpathians (UT.BRIU, UT.KSV, UT.MEZ, UT.RAKU, UT.STNU) were recently upgraded with modern broadband sensors (deployed alongside the existing instruments) under the ORFEUS Data Integration Grant. This grant, funded through the Geo‑INQUIRE Project and supported by in‑kind contributions from GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, GaiaCode, and CNRS Geoazur, provided instruments and technical support that strengthened the network and enabled the station upgrades between September 2024 and March 2025. Data from the upgraded stations are available in real time through the European Integrated Data Archive (EIDA) under the FDSN network code UT, Ukrainian National Seismic Network, and can be accessed via the National Institute for Earth Physics (NIEP) EIDA node in Romania. For the first time, data from Subbotin Institute of Geophysics seismic network have been integrated into EIDA, significantly improving data accessibility and fostering international collaboration. These stations also contribute to the AdriaArray initiative, providing a dense seismic network for monitoring the Adriatic Plate and its active margins. This paper discusses the background, current state, and recent advancements in the region’s seismic network, with a focus on the upgrade of selected stations.

Danxia landform, recognized for its steep cliffs and red coloration, has drawn significant scientific attention. While Chinese Danxia Landforms are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, their genesis and evolution, particularly in less-explored regions, remain under study. The southern Sichuan Basin, one of China's three largest Danxia outcrop areas, offers a unique case study due to its distinct geological setting and limited research. This study investigates the genesis of Danxia landforms in the southern Sichuan Basin using a multi-faceted approach. Field observations documented geomorphological characteristics and stratigraphy of the Danxia formations. Tectonic analysis, using regional structural data and fault mapping, assessed the impact of tectonic uplift and deformation. The findings suggest that the genesis of Danxia landforms in the southern Sichuan Basin is driven by four factors: (1) thick, well-bedded red sandstones and conglomerates; (2) regional tectonic structures, such as faults and folds; (3) episodic tectonic uplift, creating topographic relief and fluvial incision; and (4) the combined effects of weathering, erosion, and gravity shaping the cliffs. The analysis challenges the prevailing southeast-to-northwest evolutionary model for Chinese Danxia, as the southern Sichuan Basin follows a distinct developmental trajectory, influenced by regional tectonic settings and external forces. This study shows that Danxia genesis is a complex interaction of lithological, tectonic, and geomorphic processes. The findings highlight regional variability and underscore the importance of considering regional tectonic context and external forces in understanding Danxia evolution across China. This research deepens understanding of Danxia genesis and provides insights for conserving these globally significant landscapes.