Constraining Fault Kinematics and India‐Tarim Convergence Partitioning in Southwestern Tibet With Geodetic Block Modeling

Abstract

Abstract How the convergent strain between the India Plate and the Tarim basin is partitioned by active faults and off‐fault deformation in southwestern Tibet is poorly understood due to limited knowledge of strain localisation and fault kinematics. In this study, we derive high‐resolution velocity fields for the southwestern Tibetan Plateau using both GNSS and InSAR observations. Using these velocity fields, we apply an improved block model to estimate the kinematics of major active faults in the region. Our results suggest significant strain localization along the Altyn Tagh‐Ashikule‐Yulong Kashgar‐Gozha Co fault system and the Karakoram fault, which form the western boundaries of the eastward extrusion of Tibet. We also observe significant oblique thrusting along the Main Frontal Thrust, with convergence rates increasing from ∼16.6 mm/yr at 74°E to ∼25 mm/yr at 86°E. Based on our coupling distribution and slip rate deficit model, we reveal the seismic potential of the major faults.