Abstract The northeastern Tibetan Plateau is a key region for investigating the far-field effects of the Indo-Eurasian collision and is characterized by numerous strike-slip and reverse faults along the leading edge of the plateau’s outward expansion. However, how strain is transferred from the plateau interior to its northeastern edge remains unclear, partly due to insufficient data on spatial variations in fault slip rates, particularly along secondary structures. In this study, we develop a new block-fault model using updated GNSS velocities to infer fault slip rates and regional strain distribution. Our results show that the slip rate along the eastern Altyn Tagh Fault decreases eastward from ~ 9 to ~ 1 mm/year. Additionally, four secondary faults east of the Altyn Tagh Fault exhibit slip rates of ~ 1 mm/year, which are insufficient to fully accommodate strain transfer. This suggests that the residual strain contributes to mountain uplift. Meanwhile, the central segment of the Haiyuan Fault slips at 4–6 mm/year, decaying toward both tips, and the East Kunlun Fault shows a slip rate of ~ 5–10 mm/year. These rates are consistent with previous geological and geodetic estimates, revealing a slip braking pattern that signifies the conversion of strike-slip shear into crustal shortening. The Elashan and Riyueshan faults display dextral slip rates of ~ 0.8–2.0 mm/year and ~ 1.5–2.0 mm/year, respectively, playing a critical role in accommodating E-W differential deformation. The southward increase in fault slip rates supports the model of eastward extrusion of the plateau. Moreover, the transtensional characteristics observed along these faults imply the combined influence of two major left-lateral boundary fault systems. A notable counterclockwise rotation of the GongHe block suggests that ongoing microplate rotation is accommodated by the NW-striking Elashan and Riyueshan boundary faults, with localized strain along the Qinghai Nanshan and Gonghe Nanshan faults. This tectonic setting likely facilitated the occurrence of the Gonghe M 7.0 earthquake. Integrating geodetic and geological evidence, we propose that the deformation in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau is primarily governed by three major left-lateral strike-slip faults under NE-directed compressional forcing. This process involves the conversion of strike-slip shearing into crustal shortening and mountain uplift, collectively shaping the present-day tectonic framework. Graphical Abstract
Diao et al. (Sat,) studied this question.