Spatial variations of flexure parameters over the Tibet–Quinghai plateau

We investigate the Tibet–Quinghai plateau and the Tarim basin in terms of spatial variations of the elastic thickness (Te) in the frame of the thin plate flexure model. The method of investigation makes use of a convolutive method, which allows high spatial resolution of the flexure properties and overcomes some of the problems tied to the spectral admittance/coherence methodologies. We study the relation between the topographic and subsurface loads and the observed crust–mantle interface (CMI) undulations, the latter having been obtained from gravity inversion. The gravity data used for the inversion are a unique set of high quality data available over the Chinese part of the plateau, and constitute the highest resolution grid today available in this impervious area. The gravity inversion is constrained by results from the study of the propagation of seismic waves. The two extensive sedimentary basins, the Tarim and the Qaidam basins, are modeled by forward gravity modeling. The oscillations of the CMI obtained from the gravity inversion agree well with those expected by loading the thin plate model of spatially variably elastic thickness with the surface and subsurface loads. It is found that the modeling of the sedimentary basins is essential in the flexure analysis. The spatial variations of elastic thickness correlate with the extensions of the different terrains that constitute the plateau. Most of the Tibet plateau has low Te, varying in the bounds 10–30 km, with lower values in the Qiangtang terrain, where the Te reaches 8 km. The Tarim and the Qaidam basins, Precambrian platforms overlain by sediments, are rigid and have a Te of up to 110 km and 70 km, respectively. The flexural analysis distinctly discerns the Tibet plateau, with thick crust, part of which is molten, from the cratonic areas, the Tarim and Qaidam basins, which though of thinner crust, act as undeformable rigid blocks.