GPS measurements of horizontal deformation across the Lai Chau—Dien Bien (Dien Bien Phu) fault, in Northwest of Vietnam, 2002-2004

Abstract

Abstract Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements from Feb. 2002 through Mar. 2004 were used to estimate the recent crustal movement along the Lai Chau—Dien Bien (Dien Bien Phu) fault (LC-DBF) system in the Northwest of Vietnam. Four GPS campaign data were processed to estimate ITRF2000 and local horizontal velocities, as well as extensive and compressive strain rates across the LC-DBF. ITRF2000 velocities are consistent with east-southeastward movement of Sundaland i.e. Indochina. Local velocities did not reveal much left-lateral strike-slip of the fault system and the derived strain rates were insignificantly different from zero at 95% confidence.