The Yadong‐Golmud Geoscience Transect in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau1

Abstract On the basis of abundant geological and geophysical data, 6 terranes have been distinguished on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. The plateau is a single integrated lithospheric unit although it is divided into blocks. With Amdo as a boundary, the crust may be divided into two parts with different crustal structures. The struc‐ture in the southern part is complex, while that in the northern part is simple, The current study has revealed that 8 factors such as slab subduction, overthrust and superimposition are responsible for crustal shortening and thickening in the region. The uplift of this region is possibly due to northward compression of the Indian plate and southward compression of the Eurasian plate with the former predominating. The compression led to the asthenospheric movements which were also influenced by thermal activity caused by doming at the boundary between the core and mantle.