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Various models exist to explain the formation of the Tibetan Plateau, including "tectonic escape", "pure shear thickening", "convective removal of the lithospheric mantle", and "lower crustal flow" model. The first two models are primarily constructed on pure mechanical models but are unable to reasonably explain the tension and shear phenomena inside the plateau. The latter two are rheological dynamic models based on deep geophysical observations. However, the spatial range of the lower crustal flow and its role in the plateau formation/uplift remain controversial. Five multi-terrane viscoplastic thermomechanical models were constructed to simulate the uplift and lithospheric structure change of the Tibetan Plateau during the post-collision stage (since 35 Ma) under the convergence of the Indian Plate. Results show that the plateau's formation begins with crustal thickening, blocked by strong terranes at the northern plateau, and expanded laterally to the east. The lithosphere thickens gradually and experiences delamination at its base, elevating temperature within the crust and forming partial melting layers in the central plateau. As convergence persists on the southern side, the northern plateau's lithosphere bends downward and undergoes delamination, further heating the crust and promoting the northward and eastward flow of partial melting layers, leading to secondary uplift around the plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kangding City in eastern Tibet is at high risk due to frequent strong earthquakes along the Xianshuihe sinistral strike-slip fault bounding the Chuandian Block to the northeast. The knowledge of paleo-seismicity recurrence along this fault system is key to the evaluation of earthquake hazards in this region; thus, more accurate paleoseismic information are required. We examined the paleo-seismicity along the Zheduotang fault in the central segment of the Xianshuihe fault system by applying the field investigation, trenching, and Quaternary dating methods (e.g., OSL and 14C). Field observations found ∼8.5 m offset of stream by sinistral slip along the Zheduotang fault. We trenched the central fault zone of the Zheduotang fault and found that the colluvial wedges and five buried, discontinuous, A-soil horizons progressively have been offset in the shallow graben on the SW-side of the main fault indicative of the paleo-earthquakes. The dating results of OSL and 14C, in line with existing data, enable us to establish the paleo-seismic history of the Zheduotang fault. It shows at least eight surface ruptures in the last 7500 years identified from displaced buried soils, colluvial wedges and terraces. Our study reveals ∼100 years minimum paleo-earthquake recurrence, suggesting potential large earthquakes in the Kangding area in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]