Two Stages of Accelerated Exhumation in the Middle Reach of the Yarlung River, Southern Tibet Since the Mid?Miocene

Climate change and tectonic activity through erosion control Earth’s topography, much of which is shaped by river incision. The Yarlung River has dissected the Indian-Asian Collision Zone, one largest rivers. However, its rate history how it interacts with regional tectonics remain ambiguous. Here, we apply low-temperature thermochronometry thermal-kinematic models for bedrock samples from River. Our analysis reveals two stages relatively fast exhumation occurred in different parts middle reach followed remarkedly slow rate. First, a mid-Miocene period (15–9 Ma) rapid along River, including within wide portions valley tributaries. This coincides stage high precipitation rates recorded Asian marginal basins timing east-west extensional faults. In combination faults, enhanced due to onset monsoon would increase discharge thus accelerate rates. Second, Pliocene-Pleistocene (5–2 accelerated limited gorges response north-south normal faulting, implying local as first-order control. results highlight roles climatic processes shaping fluvial topography these time.