Active Tectonics, Rate of Convergence, and Earthquake Recurrence in Tien Shan

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9304587 Molnar This research is a continuation of a two-year study of the tectonics of the Tien Shan province of western China. The research plan is to map geology along a cross section through the fold and thrust belt along the southern margin of the range and construct balanced cross sections to estimate amounts of crustal shortening. Nearly all of the data are now in hand to make the same estimates across the northern margin of the range. Measurement of fault scarp heights that cut alluvial fans on the south side of the Tien Shan and associated dating will allow estimates of shortening rates across the edge of the range in Holocene time. The style of deformation seen in the surface geology will be related to the evidence provided by earthquake seismology and geology. Goals include placing bounds on the total Cenozoic shortening and on the late Quaternary rate of shortening, relating the styles of faulting associated with earthquakes and with the fold and thrust belts, and gaining an understanding of how intracontinental mountain building occurs and develops. This research is a component of the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program. ***