continental convergence The role of ductile shear zones in plate convergence: The Altyn Tagh fault, between Tibet and the Tarim basin is the largest strike-slip fault in Asia.
This sinistral fault accommodates about 10% of the 40 to 60 mm/yr convergence between India and Asia. Strain is partitionned into strike slip along near-vertical fault, and dip-slip across reverse faults. The strike slip velocity is up to 30 mm/year while dip slip accommodates 5 mm of contraction per year. Most of the deformation occurs aseismically.