Continental deformation in Asia using GPS arrays

The mode of deformation of continents and the forces that drive this deformation are not well understood, despite detailed research on this topic.

There are two opposing interpretations to explain actively deforming continents, such as Asia. One holds that the entire thickness of the lithosphere [solid Earth] is a mosaic of rigid blocks that deforms along fast slipping faults. The other hypothesizes malleable and viscous continents in which faults play a minor role. To help determine which interpretation better represents Asia, Calais et al. collected geodetic data from station arrays across the continent with relatively even spacing between stations. This wide coverage allowed them to construct a deformation velocity field that is model-independent. After analysis, the authors discovered that block- or plate-like motions appear to accurately describe deformation in most of Asia. They note that their results do not rule out continuous deformation models, provided that significant lateral variations in lithospheric strength exist.- American Geophysical Union