Kinematics and dynamics of the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau

摘要: SUMMARY On the southeastern margin of Tibetan Plateau lies a large region which seismicity and GPS data show to be actively deforming. This paper describes active faulting in region, how it relates velocity field observed with GPS. In places is accommodated by rotations about vertical axes, most or all strain at surface appears released seismically. velocities are then compared calculated using model for deformation driven gravitational driving forces. Using rheologies estimated from experimentally derived mineral flow laws, provides that good agreement velocities. It not possible uniquely determine rheology depth, there two forms solution match horizontal one these, planes deform pure shear, other gradients present within crust. Two distinct regions normal-faulting earthquakes have mechanisms easily explained gravity-driven deformation.