Insights into episodic exhumation of the western Tibetan Plateau since the Late Cretaceous from low-temperature thermochronology

Three stages of accelerated exhumation and one regional slow exhumation since the Eocene were recognized in different geological units. The first stage was related to the regional thrust-induced crustal thickening and led to the formation of the proto-TP.

The second stage of accelerated exhumation is caused by the activity of local thrust, and the last stage is related to the enhanced river incision during Miocene. Our results highlight that tectonic and drainage network reorganization play an important role in shaping the geomorphology of the western TP.