How mantle dynamics guided the main phases of Himalayan crustal tectonics?

Models of Himalayan tectonics have focused on crustal processes and climatic-crustal interactions, with mantle processes commonly relegated to a convergent boundary condition with static geometry. Insights into mantle dynamism over the past decade give us an opportunity to consider a more active role for the mantle in shaping crustal tectonics.

Cycles of underthrusting, slab rollback, and slab break off, as well as overall mantle flow patterns, can exert first-order influence on accretionary modes and topographic evolution, and thereby on surface processes and climate-surface interactions.

This talk will explore how such mantle dynamics determined (1) the initiation and cessation of motion on the South Tibet fault as well as (2) the different accretionary styles that built the Tethyan, Greater, and Lesser Himalayan structural units. The concomitant impacts on topographic, climatic, and biotic evolution will also be briefly discussed.

Presenter: Assoc Prof. Dr Alexander Webb
Moderator: Asst. Prof. Dr Basanta Raj Adhikari

Time: 19:00 NPT (+5:45 GMT)