New interpretation of tectonic model in south Tibet

► New geological studies show that the Zangpo ophiolite has a back-arc basin affinity. ► Neotethys splited off the Himalaya continental front arc creating the Zangpo basin. ► Collapse of Zangpo back-arc basin by supra-subduction occurred since the Eocene. ► The real India-Eurasia suture should be represented by the High Himalayan Unit. ► Major mylonitic zones migrated southward absorbing bulk of Indian and Tibet crust.