The Kinematics of Deforming Central and East Asia

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This research is to determine the kinematics of relative motion within deforming Central and East Asia using a new method. By fitting a polynomial function to observed, average blocks of strain rate, the analysis can determine both relative velocities and rotations within specified reference frames. Strain rates are determined from a moment tensor summation of large earthquakes in this century, and from Quaternary slip rates on major faults. This method allows scientists to directly relate the often complicated styles of faulting over broad regions of continental deformation to the relative motion of the plates. Importantly, it also allows the investigation of the role the faults are playing in accommodating that relative motion. This research is a component of the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program.