Both low resistivity zones and low velocity zones are distributed in the middle-lower crust of the western Lhasa terrane, Tibetan Plateau, China. Some estimates from electrical resistivity data suggest large volume fractions of silicate melts that are difficult to reconcile with seismic velocity data that prefer lower volumes. A second conductive phase, such as saline fluids, that drastically reduces the conductivity but does not significantly affect the seismic velocity because of its low volume may be able to explain these differences. In this study, a 3-D model of the electrical resistivity structure is generated on a profile along longitude 85°E from a latitude of 29°N to 32.5°N. Based on experimental measurement of melts and alkali-rich fluids (e.g., H 2O-NaCl), we estimate the volume fraction of each phase that is required to explain the conductive anomalies observed in the geophysical model. The model reveals that the maximum bulk conductivity of the mid-lower crust in the south (1.52 S/m) is much higher than the conductivity of the mid-lower crust in the north (0.18 S/m) when taking 31°N as a rough boundary, near Coqen region. We hypothesize that the conductive zones in the south of the Coqen region may result from a silicate melt and alkali-rich fluid (multicomponent) system. In contrast, partial melting alone can explain the conductive zones in the north. The hypothesis can reconcile the predictions from electrical resistivity data and seismic data, and it corresponds well with zircon Hf isotope data. For example, a combination such as the presence of <1% NaCl-bearing aqueous fluids in addition to 5-10% partial melt can reconcile electrical conductivity data and seismic data. We propose that the contributions from partial melt or saline fluids are controlled by the distinct tectonic dynamics in each region. Furthermore, the model compatible with the idea that the Indian lower crust subducted northwards beneath the Lhasa terrane and may not extend far beyond the Indus-Yarlung Zangbo suture (approximately 30-31°N). The widespread distribution and interconnection of crustal conductors at different depths is consistent with the lateral migration of materials. However, both geophysical data sets agree that some anomalies are discontinuous along the profile. Furthermore, the low-angle subducted Indian Plate with no obvious tearing feature and a low volume of melts may have contributed to the absence of long, continuous, N-S-trending normal faults in this region. @en

The tectonic dynamics of the Lhasa-Gangdese terrane, southern Tibet, are still unclear and open questions persist regarding the structure, physical properties, and rheology of the lithosphere. A three-dimensional electrical resistivity model was generated beneath the Lhasa terrane, 79°−94°E and 28°–33°N, an area of ∼1,500 by ∼600 km, using data from 537 magnetotelluric measurements. To overcome computational challenges, we present an approach in which multiple high-resolution models from overlapping subregions are combined by means of an error-weighted averaging scheme to construct a continuous electrical resistivity model. Based on the electrical structure, the rheology of the mid-lower crust was investigated by constraining the melt fraction, in order to explore controls on dynamic mechanisms from a whole-system perspective. The models shed light on the vertical and lateral migration of crustal materials, magma transportation, and continental deformation in the Lhasa terrane. The model shows resistive features in the south that may represent the Indian plate, and conductive features above this that may represent the migration of materials beneath the Lhasa terrane, both of which vary substantially along the Indus-Yarlung Zangbo suture. In the mid-lower crust, conductive features (with a likely corresponding decrease of the effective viscosity) may be related to underplating, magma reservoirs, mineralization sources, and vertical motion of buoyant materials. A weakened mid-lower crust has consequences for surface deformation and may have contributed to the formation of (north-south) rift zones. Furthermore, the inhomogeneous distribution of weakened areas in the mid-lower crust has implications for the local lateral migration of materials.@en