Volcanic geology and petrochemistry of Ashikule volcanic field in western Kunlun Mountains of the Tibetan plateau

Ashikule volcanic field, developed in the western Kunlun mountain of north Tibet, is composed of approximately 10 volcanoes, and covers a total area of about 200 km(2) at an average altitude of approximately 5000 m, one of the highest volcanic fields in the world. In this study, we conducted detailed field investigations of the geological and geomorphological features of volcanic rocks and volcanic edifices in Ashikule basin, and compiled a large-scale geological map of the study area for the first time. We also collected a series of samples for petrochemistry analysis, as well as a high-precision Ar-40/Ar-39 geochronology study of selected lavas from Ashikule volcanic field. Finally, we refined the eruption history for the volcanic activity in the basin, which provides some new volcanological evidence for the study of the tectonic evolution of the Northern Tibetan Plateau.