Evolution process of the Yinduba paleolandslide-dammed lake in the upper Jinsha River, SE Tibetan Plateau

Based on field investigation, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating and sedimentary analyses, this research shows that the Yinduba paleolandslide-dammed lake (PDL) was formed by a catastrophic rock avalanche damming Jinsha River before 74 ka ago. According to blocked ancient riverbed, depth determined about 110 m corresponding length 22 km when level reached peak. Geomorphologic features of lacustrine terraces at river residual dam body OSL results indicate PDL is dammed with multi-stage outbursts. Following peak, due breaching body, experienced two major drops until breached entirely after 36 ka. The large size, special structure, semi-arid climate contribute long life PDL, which existed for approximately 38,000 years from its formation extinction. This study supports possibility landslide-dammed having span up tens millennia, provides new evidence regarding evolutionary history lake.