Clockwise rotation of the Tarim basin driven by the Indian plate impact

Tarim basin is usually regarded as a rigid tectonic block that resists the northward expansion of the Tibetan plateau that is associated with ongoing northward motion of the Indian plate. The structural complexity of its tectonic boundaries with adjacent units inferred from seismological studies suggests, however, that this simple view of a static block under north-south compression needs revision. Here, we demonstrate (from Global Position System data) that Tarim basin is rotating clockwise (at a rate of 0.461°/Myr) around a (virtual) vertical axis within the unit. This rotation logi-cally results from the asymmetric nature of the India-Asia collision zone as inferred from seismological studies and can explain the otherwise puzzling pattern of lithospheric interactions along the Tarim basin borders as well as the diachro-nous seawater retreat and the closing of the westerly moisture pathway that results in aridification and desertification of Tarim.

Tarim Basin, block rotation, Indian plate, Eurasian plate, continental collision, paleoenvironment, westerly moisture pathway

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