中文摘要：

对柴达木盆地新生代沉降机制存在不同的观点。一个合理的模型必须解释柴达木盆地的两个基本问题：1）为什么柴达木盆地新生代沉积中心主要位于盆地中部；2）是什么动力学过程导致盆地发生最大幅度超过15km的基底沉降。通过对柴达木盆地主要地质特征的分析和对已有盆地模型的评述，本文发展了地壳褶皱模型，认为青藏高原北部上部地壳发生纵弯褶皱是柴达木盆地形成的主要原因。该模型不仅解释了盆地沉积中心的位置，而且揭示了柴达木盆地与周缘其它构造单元的关系。上部地壳发生强烈褶皱与下地壳侧向流动和岩石圈地幔向南俯冲的过程有关。

英文摘要：

Different models have been advanced for Cenozoic subsidence of the Qaidam Basin. A plausible mechanism, however, should account for two main problems： 1 ） How come the Cenozoic depocenters were kept in the middle portion of the basin; 2）what dynamic processes were responsible for subsidence of basin basement that was over 15 km deep. This paper summarizes the main geological characteristics of the Qaidam Basin and makes a review of previously proposed mechanisms. The crust-buckling model is further developed, suggesting that the formation of the Qaidam Basin could be primarily related to the folding or buckling of the upper crust of the northern Tibetan Plateau. This model satisfactorily explains localization of the depocenters and the relationship of the Qaidam Basin with adjacent intermontane basins during their development. It is thought that the southward subduction of lithospheric mantle might have led to the intense folding of the overlying detached crust.