Precise Contemporary Crustal Strain and Rotation Rates Derived from GNSS Measurements in the Pamir–Tian Shan Region
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The Pamir–Tian Shan domain constitutes one of the most actively deforming intracontinental orogenic systems associated with continued India–Eurasia convergence. Characterizing present-day deformation in this region is fundamental to deciphering its geodynamic evolution and assessing seismic risk. Existing strain rate models based on GNSS measurements display noticeable discrepancies, largely attributable to variations in analytical strategies and uneven station distribution. In this study, we determine the present crustal strain and rotation fields across the Pamir–Tian Shan area using the most updated GNSS velocity solution referenced to stable Eurasia. To address the issues of inconsistent strain rate field results and lack of reliability verification in previous studies based on GNSS data, this paper computes the crustal strain rate field (principal strain rate, maximum shear strain rate, dilatation strain rate, and rotational strain rate) with a grid spacing of 0.75° × 0.75° in the study area, followed by numerical validation of the results’ reliability. The derived strain field is characterized by dominant NNW–SSE shortening throughout much of the orogenic system, with peak compressional strain rates (~1.0 × 10−7 yr−1) concentrated along the Pamir Frontal Thrust. By contrast, the interior of the Pamir Plateau exhibits clear EW extension, consistent with areas affected by normal-faulting earthquakes. High values of shear strain rates are primarily localized along major active fault systems, whereas negative dilatational components indicate overall contraction within the Tian Shan. The rotation-rate distribution reveals clockwise rotation of the Tarim Basin (approximately 0.6°/Myr) together with counterclockwise rotation affecting the Pamir and Tian Shan blocks, accommodated by prominent strike–slip fault networks. The close spatial agreement between the modeled strain patterns, active tectonic structures, and focal mechanism solutions supports the reliability of the inferred deformation field. The research results of this paper are of great scientific significance for in-depth study of the tectonic evolution and earthquake disaster assessment in the Pamir–Tian Shan region.
Source: Remote Sensing
DOI: 10.3390/rs18101618
Authors: Rui Yao, Shoubiao Zhu
Institution: National Institute of Natural Hazards
Language: English
Subfield: Geophysics
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
OpenAlex ID: W7161567941
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