Geometry and kinematics of the Darjeeling–Sikkim Himalaya, India: Implications for the evolution of the Himalayan fold-thrust belt

•Darjeeling–Sikkim Himalaya lies in a high convergence zone.•U–Pb SHRIMP analysis on zircon grains record two distinct ages across the MCT.•The zone records a minimum shortening of ∼450 km (∼81%) south of the STDS.•An average long-term shortening rate is estimated at ∼20 mm/yr.•The structural geometry does not reflect the greatest shortening of the orogen.

The Darjeeling–Sikkim Himalaya lies in a zone where the convergence vector between the Indian and Eurasian plates is almost perpendicular to the Himalayan deformation front. Current outcrop pattern preserves high-grade hanging wall rocks of the Main Central thrust (MCT) and the Pelling thrust (PT) within 5 km of the mountain front. U–Pb SHRIMP analysis on zircon grains from MCT sheet record two 206Pb/238U age groups of ca. 2575 and ca. 943 Ma and from the PT 1835 ± 13 Ma. The Lesser Himalayan duplex in the footwall of the MCT is composed of two duplex systems; a structurally higher hinterland dipping duplex, and a lower duplex system that varies from hinterland dipping in the north to an antiformal stack in the middle and foreland dipping duplex in the south. The foreland-dipping horses and reactivation of the roof thrust resulted in large translation of the overlying MCT and Pelling thrust sheets. The duplex also resulted in a plunge culmination forming a broad N–S trending anticline. A transport-parallel, restorable, balanced cross section reveals a minimum shortening of ∼450 km (∼81%) south of the South Tibetan Detachment system, and an average long-term shortening rate ∼20 mm/yr. Although the study area lies in a zone of high convergence angle with the deformation front, the surface structures do not record the greatest shortening of the orogen. The Shillong plateau and a tranverse zone lying southeast of the study area have accommodated a part of the convergence-related shortening, thereby under-representing the shortening in the Sikkim Himalayan fold-thrust belt. Lateral variations in the original width of the Lesser Himalayan basin may have played a role in partitioning the shortening in the fold-thrust belt.