Quaternary Crustal Shortening of the Houyanshan Structure in the Eastern Chinese Tian Shan: Constrained from Geological and Geomorphological Analyses

The Tian Shan is one of the most active intracontinental orogenic belts in world. It has undergone complex deformation that resulted formation several fold-and-thrust (FTBs) piedmonts and intermontane basins. Investigating histories these FTBs important for understanding tectonic propagation processes Shan. Here, we gain insight into crustal shortening by deciphering Houyanshan structure, a typical fold-thrust belt eastern Chinese We first describe curved thrust ramp related fold pairs structure using high-resolution remote sensing photography, fluvial terraces, field-based geological cross-section. Combined with deformed terrace records optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating results, kinematic style allows us to yield geologic rate 1.6 ± 0.2 mm/a since ~52 ka. Second, reduce uncertainty seismic interpretation quantify amount time shortening, interpret three reflection profiles theory quantitative fault-related fold, area-depth-strain (ADS), reverse modeling analyses. These provide direct evidence this connects means listric shallow detachment level. ADS analysis reveals maximum Huoyanshan ~4.5 km, which consistent result inverse modeling. Each structural methods gives similar parameters, high consistency results greatly improves soundness given interpretation. Finally, total suggest may have formed at 1.8–3.7 Ma, nearly synchronous around Tibetan Plateau. Together, indicate combined geomorphological provides greater information than can be achieved any individual technique studying worldwide.