Fault systems impede incision of the Yarlung river into the Tibetan plateau

Abstract It is widely accepted that tectonics generally enhances river incision. However, why rivers have not incised further into orogenic plateaus to destroy terrains over long-time scales remains ambiguous. Here we hypothesize the diverse nature of regional could impeded erosion, taking Yarlung River in Tibetan Plateau as a case. We constrain incision history and effect tectonic rift on fluvial by low-temperature thermochronology. Results show focused cooling near rift, but markedly reduced upstream downstream regions since ~7 Ma. This coincides with an episode rapid exhumation Eastern Himalaya Syntaxis downstream. propose these two co-phased systems resulting from accelerated extension southern prevented migration knickpoints. Our study highlights activity fault may hinder thereby facilitating preservation topography high active belts.