Formation Mechanism of Arcuate Tectonic Structures around Northeast Tibetan Plateau: Insight from 3-D Numerical Modeling

The arcuate tectonic structure is a prominent feature of the northeast Tibetan plateau, the dynamics of which is still not well constrained. In this study, 3-D high-resolution numerical models are systematically conducted to investigate the arcuate tectonics and dynamics. The models highly emphasize the significance of lateral heterogeneities, indicating that the pre-existing strong blocks within the deforming plate strongly control the formation of arcuate tectonics. The laterally changing thickness of sediment strata or varying geometry of inherited faults within the deforming plate can also contribute but does not play crucial roles. On the other hand, the non-uniform shape of the leading edge of the indenting plate only leads to the formation of arcuate tectonics close to the indenter. Finally, the numerical models are systematically compared with the arcuate tectonic structures around the northeast Tibetan plateau and other possible regions.