Global positioning system (GPS) measurements indicate a total convergence
rate of ~38 mm/yr in N21E direction between the Indian and Eurasian
plates (Wang et al, 2001). According to the spatial distribution of motions,
substantial part of crustal shortening is accommodated within the Tibetan
plateau (figure 10). In the north, this deformation
seems to be partitioned equally by sinistral strike-slip faults trending
nearly orthogonal to the main convergence direction such as the Kunlun
fault (figure 11). This eastward motion is
accommodated through rotation of material around the eastern syntaxis (figure
10). Especially, this results indicates that the plateau is not
only under the effect of rigid block motions towards the east but is also
deforming internally while it extrudes eastward.
Figure 10. GPS velocity vectors with respect
to the stable Eurasia [Wang et al. 2001].
Figure 11. GPS velocity profile across Tibet
in the direction of N21E, parallel to the collision direction [Wang
et al. 2001].
| A) Tectonics & Geology | B) Seismicity | C) GPS | D) Seismic profiles & Tomography |
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