Magnetostratigraphy and depositional history of the Miocene Wushan basin on the NE Tibetan plateau, China: Implications for middle Miocene tectonics of the West Qinling fault zone

Based on field mapping, section measurement and magnetostratigraphy, ∼1700 m of sedimentary rocks have accumulated in the Wushan basin between ∼16 Ma and ∼6 Ma. Basin geometry, sedimentation characteristics and the early syn-depositional deformation along the northern margin of the basin indicate that formation of the Wushan basin was related to tectonic deformation along the West Qinling fault zone during the middle Miocene. A series of basins of similar age to the Wushan basin were generated along and to the south of the West Qinling fault zone while basalts also erupted in this region at this time. We suggest that the middle Miocene (∼16 Ma) may represent a change in kinematics and deformation style in the region along and to the south of the West Qinling fault zone. At this time, there was a transition from NNE–SSW compressional deformation, that dominated the region since the late Paleogene, to the development of WNW–ESE and/or E–W trending strike-slip movement and associated transpressional and transtensional activity that continues today. The Miocene Wushan basin may have developed in association with transpression along the West Qinling fault zone. Whether this transition was related to the onset of strike-slip along the east Kunlun fault and related deformation transfer, lower crustal flow, or removal of mantle lithosphere, the middle Miocene provides direct evidence for a change in the kinematic style along the plateau margin.

► ∼1700 m of red beds were deposited in Wushan basin on the NE margin of Tibet.
► Magnetostratigraphy indicates ∼16–6 Ma deposition related to W. Qinling deformation.
► Kinematics change at ∼16 Ma from NE–SW shortening to E–W trending strike-slip motion.
► The mid-Miocene change in kinematics relates to regional geodynamic processes.