The vertical velocity field of the Tibetan Plateau and its surrounding areas derived from GPS and surface mass loading models

Obtaining a precise velocity field of the Earth's surface is critical for probing Earth's tectonic movements. In this contribution we construct a precise vertical velocity field with high-spatial resolution for the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and its surrounding areas using both 113 continuous and 969 campaign GPS time series over the period 2008 to 2019. Specifically, we compared the statistical distribution of residual continuous GPS time series to find the optimal regional surface mass loading (SML) models. The optimal modeled nontectonic displacements were used to correct these campaign GPS time series to reduce their scatter and accordingly improve the precision of the uplift rate estimates. The results showed that we could reduce the root mean square (RMS) on the vertical coordinate time series by more than 75% of the campaign GPS stations. We computed and removed vertical deformation due to horizontal strain rates obtained from GPS time series, and discussed dynamic sources (mantle dynamic topography, isostatic adjustment, and flexural loading) that drive the residual vertical tectonic motion. The study presents the most recent surface kinematic constraints for comprehending the dynamic sources of tectonic uplift or subsidence between and within tectonic units. Plain Language Summary: Movements of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) have a profound impact on adjacent areas. We collected all available GPS data to determine a precise vertical velocity field with high-spatial resolution. We make use of optimal surface mass loading (SML) models to improve estimation accuracy of campaign GPS stations, including an estimate of the vertical movement caused by the horizontal tectonic motions. We combine geological and geophysical data with our vertical velocity field to understand the dynamic sources of uplift or subsidence between and within tectonic units of the TP. (c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.