Present-Day 3D Crustal Deformation of the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau From Space Geodesy

Abstract

High-resolution present-day earth surface deformation maps from satellites provide important data constraints, which help us better understand tectonic processes and analyze seismic hazards. Here, we use Sentinel-1 Radar images (2014–2020) and accurate positioning measurements (2009–2019) to get a high-resolution three-dimensional earth surface velocity map for the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, and we invert the slip rate and coupling ratio of major regional faults. We find ∼4 mm/yr uplift along an arc from the Qilianshan to Lajishan, relative to the neighboring low-elevation area to the east, which indicates ongoing rapid orogeny. We find transient deformation along the Laohushan and 1920 M8.5 Haiyuan rupture segments of the Haiyuan fault, whereas the western Haiyuan, southern Liupanshan, central Lajishan and central-western West Qinling faults are essentially locked above 15–20 km, suggesting a potentially high seismic hazard.