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Geodynamics of Cenozoic deformation in central AsiaThis paper presents a study of the tectonic stresses in central Asia based on an interpretation of satellite gravity data for mantle convection and supplemented with published fault plane solutions of earthquakes. Northwest-southeast to north-south compressional stresses exist in the Tien Shan region where reverse faulting dominates. The maximum compressive stress is oriented approximately northeast-southwest in the regions of Altai and southern Mongolia. Farther north, compressive stress gives way to tensional stress which causes normal faulting in the Baikal rift system. It is also shown that all of the tectonic stresses in the Tibetan plateau and Himalayan frontal thrust are related to the convection-generated stress patterns inferred from satellite gravity data. These results suggest that the complex crustal deformation in central Asia can be convincingly described by the deformation of the lithosphere on top of the up- and down-welling asthenospheric material beneath it. This observational fact may not only upset the simple view of the fluid crustal model of the Tibetan plateau, but also provide some useful constraints for the future development of deformation theory of continental crust.
Document ID
19810047292
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Liu, H.-S.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Geodynamics Branch, Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
April 9, 1981
Publication Information
Publication: Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors
Volume: 25
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
81A31696
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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