A precise velocity field of tectonic deformation in China as inferred from intensive GPS observations

Active tectonics, e.g., faulting, folding, and rifting are clearly manifested over the vast territory of China. The in-tensive crustal deformation with long-lived structures has given rise to numerous highly-elevated mountains in the western China with the Yangtze and Yellow rivers downstreaming to the east,

Active tectonics, e.g., faulting, folding, and rifting are clearly manifested over the vast territory of China. The in-tensive crustal deformation with long-lived structures has given rise to numerous highly-elevated mountains in the western China with the Yangtze and Yellow rivers downstreaming to the east,as well as resulting in catastrophicearthquakes with huge fatalities in the historical times. Quantifying crustal deformation into its amount, distribu- tion, and timing is prerequisite for an understanding of the nature of geological evolution, climate-tectonics interaction, and ultimately the geodynamic aspects that control these processes. Moreover, monitoring active deformation with great precision is of fundamental importance in trying to forecast earthquake or assess seismic hazard for an earth- quake-prone country like China.