Research on seismicity and crustal deformation in the northeastern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau: Current status and future prospect

The northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, as the primary tectonic front accommodating plateau expansion, represents a crucial region for investigating plateau uplift and lateral growth mechanisms. This seismically active boundary zone provides key insights into the generation processes of strong intracontinetal earthquakes.This study presents a comprehensive analysis of multidisciplinary datasets, including contemporary geodetic measurements, historical seismicity records, and geophysical observations. Through systematic analysis of seismic activity patterns and crustal deformation features in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, we characterize: (1) the spatial distribution of crustal strain accumulation, (2) the present-day stress field configuration, and (3) fault slip rates along major active faults. These parameters are further integrated to assess regional seismic potential. Finally, by integrating deep and shallow geophysical observations, this study investigates how tectonic deformation patterns constrain the plateau expansion and uplift processes in the northeastern margin. Although the underlying dynamic mechanisms (including vertically coherent deformation versus lower crustal flow) remain debated in this region, the present findings provide critical constraints on both tectonic deformation processes and strong earthquake generation mechanisms within the Tibetan Plateau. They also provide valuable insights into the mechanisms driving the plateau's uplift and lateral extension. Building upon current understanding of seismic activity and crustal deformation patterns, augmented by enhanced geodetic and seismological monitoring capabilities, future research is poised to: elucidate finer-scale crustal deformation characteristics and their underlying deep dynamic processes, and quantitatively constrain the mechanical coupling between active fault systems and earthquake nucleation processes. These advances will establish a robust scientific framework for understanding crustal thickening mechanisms, lateral extensional deformation, and seismic hazard assessment across the region, while providing critical insights into the integrated tectonic evolution of the Tibetan Plateau.