This research is to study deformation in a highly active thrust tectonic setting, the Tien Shan region in Western China. Crustal shortening across the range occurs largely by thrust faulting. The study will use classical geologic mapping of surface structures to estimate amounts of shortening across the range. Because Late Cenozoic sedimentary rocks are folded, bounds on the amounts of shortening will yield bounds on the rates of deformation. Mapping the geometry of deformed surface rocks will constrain models of the subsurface shapes of the deeper faults. Knowledge gained here will be applied to thrust deformation regimes in the U.S. such as the Transverse Ranges of Southern California. This research is a component of the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program.
