Late Quaternary slip rate of the Garze-Yushu fault zone (Dangjiang Segment)

Garze-Yushu fault zone is not only a large-scale left-lateral strike-slip fault in the central-eastern Tibet, but also a significant geological boundary between Bayan Har and Qiangtang blocks. The Dangjiang fault, which is located at the western segment of the Garze-Yushu fault zone, controls the development of a series of Quaternary fault valleys along it, such as the Dangjiangrong, Dangjiang and Zheda valleys. Based on the interpretation of remote sensing images, analysis of DEM data, field investigations, and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) measurements, it is found that a series of gullies, fluvial terraces and alluvial fans are systematically offset by the Dangjiang fault, which suggests that the Dangjiang fault is a strongly active left-lateral strike-slip fault in late Quaternary. The time of the latest activity of this fault is after 3. 04 ka. Average left-lateral strike-slip rate of this fault is about 7+/-3 mm . a(-1). This study provides basic materials for the seismic hazard assessment of this area and kinematics analysis of northeastern margin of Tibetan Plateau.