Abstract:

In 1945, Mr. Huang Jiqing suggested using the term Himalayan movement to describe the Cenozoic orogenic movement in China. This concept has widely been accepted by the geoscientists. However, disagreements still exist regarding the episodes and geodynamic setting of tectonic movements. Based on analysis of basic concepts suggested previously, and in combination with various data, including geology, geomorphology, magmatic activities and structural deformation, it is proposed that Himalayan movement can be divided into early, middle and late episodes, which are corresponding respectively to tectonic activities in late Eocene, between Paleogene and Neogene, and between Noegene and Quaternary. Collision of Indian and Eurasia plates and continuous compression led to strong compression, shortening and uplifting of Qinghai Tibet Plateau including its southeastern and northern margins. East ward compression of East Asia continent, uplifting of deep lithosphere and back arc spreading resulted in extensional rifting in eastern China and its peri Pacific zone.

Key words: Himalayan movement, orogeny, episode, geodynamic setting, tectonic feature