The Lesser Himalayan Duplex in Sikkim: Implications for Variations in Himalayan Shortening

Thrust duplexes account for large fractions of the total shortening in most fold-thrust belts (FTBs). They also provide an efficient mechanism for transferring slip upward from the basal decollement and for transporting roof thrust sheets over long distances. The Lesser Himalayan duplex (LHD) plays a prominent role in the overall evolution of the Himalayan FTB and has been described from Garhwal-Kumaon to Bhutan. In Sikkim the LHD shows unique structural geometry and has been responsible for transporting crystalline thrust sheets (MCT 1 and MCT 2) farther southward than other parts of the Himalaya. Such lateral variations in LHD geometry imply variations in the kinematic history of the Lesser Himalaya and variations in shortening and shortening history along the length of the Himalayan arc, and these are reflected in observable large scale structural patterns.