Mathematical modeling of kinematics of Central Asian plates

A two-dimensional geomechanical model is developed for numerical modeling of the displacement, strain, and stress fields of the lithosphere of Central Asia. This model considers the basic structural elements, i.e., plates, microplates, and tectonic faults. For the fault edges, the relative displacements caused by the Indo-Eurasian collision at the velocity of Hindustan motion 55 mm/yr are calculated by means of finite-element method. It is shown that the velocity of opening of different sections of the Baikal rift ranges from 1.2 to 4.8 mm/yr.