Insights into the late Cenozoic structural deformation and tectonic stress field of the Qiabuqia region, Gonghe Basin, northeastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

In addition to overall uplift of the Qiabuqia region during Late Cenozoic, three deformation stages can be identified in northeastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Specifically, these were recognized areas east Gonghe Basin that surrounds Waliguan Mountain and include: 1) Miocene Pliocene deformation—dominated by thrust napping with dextral strike-slipping; 2) Early Pleistocene late middle period deformation—fault structures dominated strike-slipping napping; 3) end Middle Holocene deformation—thrust slowed down finally braked, while shallow surface began loosen extend at region’s rear-edge. DR4 borehole drilling data indicate Xiangshuihe Formation’s buried depth is ∼1,000 m. The Xianshuihe top section characterized normal fault–type (NF) tectonic stress, maximum principal stress (σ1) perpendicular minimum (σ3) horizontal. contrast, deep basement fault (TF) strike-slip (SS) σ1 NE-SW direction, ranging from 20.1° 75.3° an average 40.0°. Based on aforementioned observations, it inferred there are sets hidden faults region: NW–NNW trending compressional–torsional faults; NE tensional–torsional NWW faults. findings this study potentially offer a robust geological basis for exploring utilizing hot, dry rock resources within Basin.