Tectonic Geomorphology and Genetic Analysis Based on Remote Sensing and DEM: A Case Study of the Helanshan Area

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jcte.202506205

Author(s)

Xinru Yang1, Weicui Ding1,*, Xuanhua Chen1, Lele Han1, Daxing Xu1,2, Xu Shenglin1, Wang Ye1

Affiliation(s)

1Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, China 2School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

Remote sensing interpretation and tectonic geomorphology analysis are crucial for understanding intracontinental tectonic deformation, tectonic evolution, and the coupling relationship between topography and tectonics. The Helanshan fold-thrust belt is situated in the central-western part of the North China Craton, between the Alax block and the Ordos block, representing an intracontinental deformation zone since the Mesozoic. In this paper, remote sensing interpretation, tectonic geomorphology ana-lysis and field geological observation are carried out in the Shizuishan area within the middle segment of the Helanshan fold-thrust belt. The results reveal that the Helanshan region experienced intense intracontinental compressional deformation due to the Yanshanian Orogeny, forming NNE-SSW-trending imbricated thrust-nappe structures, with the mountain uplift manifesting as low elevations in the west and high elevations in the east. From the Oligocene to Miocene, influenced by the north-eastward expansion of the Tibetan Plateau and the subduction and retreat of the Western Pacific Ocean, the Helanshan Eastern Fault reversed, causing in the tectonic subsidence of the Yinchuan Graben and the periodic uplift of the Helan-shan, resulting in a geomorphological pattern that is higher in the west and lower in the east.

Keywords

Helanshan Fold-Thrust Belt; Remote Sensing Interpretation; Tectonic Geomorphology Analysis; Geomorphological Mechanism

References

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