Boundary conditions of the dynamic numerical model for the Chinese mainland lithosphere

Abstract

The numerical dynamic model of Chinese mainland lithosphere’s stress and strain field was constructed with elasto-viscous creep constitutive relation. The most recent data of the stress field of Chinese mainland and the horizontal movement velocity of the crust blocks were used as constraint conditions. The values of the boundary force were computed by trial-and-error method. The effect of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau’s excess potential energy to the movement of Chinese mainland was studied also in this model. The results of the numerical computing show that, recent rapid raising of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and the generation of normal faults in the southern part of the plateau resulted from the convergence of Indian Plate to the Eurasian Plate, and also from the rapid convective thinning of the lower lithosphere. Horizontal extension of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau is the main dynamic factor to form the present tectonic framework of the Chinese mainland. The compressive loads on the eastern boundary of the model were mainly applied by the subduction of the Pacific Plate. The compression from the Philippine Plate maybe slight.