The role of lateral lithospheric strength heterogeneities in orogenic plateau growth: Insights from 3-D thermo-mechanical modeling

Preexisting lateral variations in crustal thickness and lithospheric thermal state are documented for the formation of some orogenic plateaux. Here we use high-resolution 3-D thermo-mechanical simulations to investigate the influence of preexisting lateral lithospheric strength heterogeneity on the growth of orogenic plateau. The modeling results illustrate an episodic scenario for plateau growth: (1) an early rapid growth stage, characterized by rapid surface uplift and intensive crustal buckling and thickening; (2) an outward spreading stage, characterized by significant lateral expansion of the plateau edges; and (3) a mature stage, characterized by the development of the intracrustal partial melting and subduction of the surrounding lithosphere under the plateau. Sensitivity analyses indicate that lateral variation in crustal thickness favors outward spreading of orogenic plateau, while lateral variation in geothermal gradient favors crustal buckling. The model in absence of lateral strength heterogeneity leads to progressive migration of orogenic belt. Our models show that the plateau's lower crust is largely coupled with underlying lithospheric mantle and does not flow into the surrounding lithospheres, casting doubt on the lower crust flow model. We suggest that the Himalayan-Tibetan orogenic system can be best understood within the framework that the proto-southern Asian margin was fairly weak prior to the India-Asia collision to steer the formation of a large hot orogenic plateau there.