Remote sensing image interpretation and tectonic activity study of the main active faults in Yushu area, Qinghai Province

Based on the high resolution remote sensing images such as IRS-P5, ALOS, Google earth and ASTER DEM, in combination with previous research results and detailed field survey, the authors summed up the image interpretation criteria, obtained the spatial distribution and subsections of Yushu faulted zone , and analyzed in detail fault properties and activities. It is shown that there are 18 active faults in the zone, and the spatial distribution pattern of Yushu faulted zone is in the shape of “Y”. On the basis of the measurement of offset streams dislocation, three dimensional landform contrasts, topographic relief and historical earthquakes analysis, the authors divided the intensity of fault activities into intense activity, moderate activity and weak activity. Dangjiang-Duocai fault, Yushu fault and Batang fault are the most intense active faults in the area.