New space geodetic constraints on the distribution of deformation in Central Asia

Results from repeated measurements across a 90-sites global positioning system network in Central Asia provide direct evidence of current high rates of tectonic deformation far north of the India–Eurasia suture zone. The data help to quantify both the partitioning of deformation within the seismically active Tien Shan and Northern Pamirs, as well as the ongoing rotation of virtually undeformed blocks such as the Tarim with respect to stable Eurasia. The NNW to SSE shortening rates derived from the computations reach values of 23±3 mm yr−1 over the ranges studied, suggesting that regional deformation rates have increased considerably within the study area since the onset of Cenozoic shortening 20–25 Myr ago.