Current tectonic deformation and seismogenic characteristics along the northeast margin of Qinghai -Xizang block

Introduction The northeast margin of Qinghai-Xizang block has become the place with close attentions from geo-specialists at home and abroad for its significant tectonic movement and intensive seismicity. Quite a number of achievements have been obtained from the studies on geological structures and strong earthquake activities (DING, LU, 1989, 1991; GUO, et al, 1992, 2000; GUO, XIANG, 1993; HOU, et al, 1999; Tapponnier, et al, 1990; Gaudemer, et al, 1995). In the Development Program…

Current tectonic deformation and seismogenic characteristics along the northeast margin of Qinghai-Xizang block

Based on the data from repeated precise leveling and across-fault deformation measurements carried out in recent 30 years and the analyzed results from GPS observations made in recent years along the northeastern margin of Qing-hai-Xizang block, and combined with the geological structures and seismic activities, some characteristics in regional tectonic deformation and strong earthquake development are studied and approached preliminarily. The results show that: a) The space-time distribution of current tectonic deformation in this area is inhomogeneous with relatively intensive tectonic deformation in the vicinity of main boundary faults and weak deformation in the farther areas. The intensity of vertical differential movement and the deformation status vary with time, and the horizontal movement and deformation are characterized by apparent compression and strike-slip. b) The tectonic stress field generated by the NE-trending continuous compressive movement of Qinghai-Xizang block due to the northward press and collision of India plate is the principal stress for the tectonic deformation and earthquake development in this area. The evolution of space-time distribution of tectonic deformation and seismicity is closely related to the block activity and dynamic evolution of regional tectonic stress field. c) The vertical deformation uplift and high-gradient deformation zones and the obvious fault deformation anomaly appeared along the boundaries of tectonic blocks can be considered as the indicators of hindered block motion and intensified tectonic stress field for strong earthquake development. Usually, the above-mentioned phenomena would be followed by the seismicity of M≧6.0, but the earthquake might not occur in the place with the maximum movement. The zones with the fault deformation anomaly characterized by “tendencious accumulation → acceleration → turning” and the surrounding areas might be the positions for accumulation of strain energy and development and occurrence of strong earthquakes. Foundation item: The Development Program on National Key Basic Researches under the Project “Mechanism and Prediction of Continental strong Earthquakes” (G1998040703).