This study shows that the contrast in tectonic regime between primarily strike-slip faulting in northern Tibet and dominantly normal faulting in southern Tibet requires mechanical coupling between the upper crust of southern Tibet and the underthrusting Indian crust. Such coupling is inconsistent with the presence of active ‘channel flow’ beneath southern Tibet, and indicates that the Indian crust retains its strength as it underthrusts the plateau.
- Alex Copley
- Jean-Philippe Avouac
- Brian P. Wernicke
