RECENT TECTONIC STRESS FIELD AND TECTONIC MOVEMENT OF THE SICHUAN PROVINCE AND ITS VICINITY

This paper deals with the P-wave initial motion solutions of 76 earthquakes of magnitude greater than 5 occurred in Sichuan Province during the years 1933-1978. It discusses the particular features of the recent stress field in each separate region and its relation to the recent tectonic movement of the neighbouring regions and to plate tectonic theory. In combination with the results of geological and seismological field observations, the character of recent tectonic movement of the principal fracture systems of Sichuan Province has also been discussed. Finally, it is pointed out, that if we assume a rotation of the Tibet-Tsinghai-Szechwan block from SEE toward SE to SSE, the principal features of the recent tectonic stress and tectonic movement of Sichuan Province or entire West China can be explained.