Problem of westward extension of the Altyn Tagh fault belt discussed from the structural characteristics of the Gozha Co fault

Abstract：The Altyn Tagh fault belt has a very important position in the study of continental geodynamics, but there is still a dispute over the trend of its westward extension after it passes Gozha Co. The Gozha Co fault is an ENE-trending linear structural zone and has undergone multi-stage activities. In the macrostructural to microstructural contexts, this article discusses in details its geometry and kinematics, and on that basis, combined with the data of the dynamic metamorphism, sedimentary basin, rock and stratigraphic distribution and deformation chronology, the Gozha Co fault is divided into four phases: the ductile left-lateral strike-slip fault (J3-K1), ductile-brittle normal-strike-slip fault (E1- N1), ductile-brittle reverse-strike-slip fault (N2) and brittle left-lateral slip fault (Q). Integrated analysis of the data of geological survey and geophysical field as well as features of satellite images shows that the Gozha Co fault and Altyn Tagh fault belt are correlative linear structures which have similar kinematic and dynamic characteristics and formed in the same dynamic system, thus belonging to the same fault system. Therefore, the Altyn Tagh fault belt neither stops at Lazhulong in the west, nor turns from north of Gozha Co to the northwest but continues to extend to the southwest via Gozha Co and enters into Kashmir from the Kongka Pass after passing Lungmu Co and the Qiangchengmo River.