关键词: 喀喇昆仑山, 西昆仑山, 强烈隆起, 冰川作用, 气候变干

Abstract: It can be confirmed that intensive uplifting of the Karakoram and West Kunlun Mountains occurred in the period from Late Pliocene epoch to Early Pleistocene, 'This is proved by the differences of Pliocene (Atushi formation) and Early pleistocene (Xiyue Conglomerate formation) stratigraphic features. Both in the interior of the Karakoram and West Kunlun Mts. and on thejnorthern side of the Kunlun Ms., the Atushi formation mainly composed of silts and fine sands is uniform. It means that the upheaval between the Kunlun Mts. and the Tarim Basin was gentle in Pliocene age. But the Xiyue Conglomeration, as a typical Ma-lasse deposit, is characterized by layered boulder conglomerates and coarse sands. It testifies that a great upheaval on the northern side of the Kunlun Mts. occurred in early Pleistocene age due to intensive uplifting. The climate was warm and humid during Pliocene age.A regional tectonic movement occurred between Early and Middle Pleistocene ages. This is proved by a series of folding, faulting and unconformity following the upheaval of the Plateau. Middle Pleistocene moraines have been found on of high peaks, That is the first gla-ciation on the Karakoram and west kunlun Mts. Two glaciations occurred in Pleistocene ape. The size of glaciation is less in the latter stage than in the former stage.Drying tendency .was progressing rapid ly since Late Pleistocene age. Levels of Plite;iu lakes were droping rapidly. The ancient lake of Tianshuihai was disintegrated and withered. Bangong Lake and other lakes changed from exterior drainage to interior drainage. Glaciers retreated. The vegetation changed from semi-desert throur stepps to desert. Loss on the northern slope of the Kunlun Mts. was formed at the same time.

Key words: Mt. Karakoram, Mt. West Kunlun, great upheaval, glaciation, climate dries