Neogene Kinematics of the Potwar Plateau and the Salt Range, NW Himalayan Front: A Paleostress Inversion and AMS study

We provide new kinematic data from the Potwar Plateau (Pakistan) to evaluate tectonic evolution of region during Neogene. The plateau is bound by two major strike-slip faults in west and east, accommodating its southwards translation.We have recognized Neogene deformation phases plateau, based on paleostress inversion Anisotropy Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) tensors. first phase lasted until early Pliocene was characterized vertical minor stress N-S compression, implying thrust tectonics. second a near-vertical intermediate principal near-horizontal stresses, interpreted be associated with tectonics since late Pliocene.Kint vectors 21 sites are relatively compatible orientations (σ1) indicate distinct domains. This possibly because Kmin related compaction, whereas Kint were always parallel shortening hence compression direction both (post-late Pliocene) thrusting (pre-late phases. These swapping (σ2) (σ3) while maintained orientation. most prominent change occurs at western part Plateau, where directions axes fan out south-westwards. eastern domain dominated NE-SW trending folds faults, which absent domain. structural features result distribution deposits Neoproterozoic Salt Range Formation as substratum below Plateau. very thick widespread area almost east. factor led unconstrained gliding over salt opposed frictional sliding substantial internal