Continental plates are significantly less rigid than previously thought
In Tibet, two continental plates collide, forming the world's highest mountain range. Satellite data provides surprising insights into the details.
Two different representations of ground movement
(Image: ESA (Data source: Wright, T. et al, 2026).)
ESA satellite imagery has provided the most detailed picture to date of the deformation of a continent under the extraordinary forces of continental drift, revealing surprising findings. This was announced by the European Space Agency, whose Copernicus Earth observation program has significantly contributed to the research. The central finding is that tectonic plates, at least at their surface, are not rigid blocks but can shift in a fluid motion at varying speeds. This finding is already being used to improve seismic models and earthquake prediction.
Different ground movement visualized
The research group chose the Tibetan Plateau as an area of particular interest for studying continental drift. Where the Indian Plate meets the Eurasian Plate lies the largest continental collision zone, explains the ESA. Previously, it was assumed that this was a mosaic of rigid blocks sliding past each other along major fault lines. However, the most precise measurement of the direction of movement has now shown that the ground also shifts within these blocks. The fault lines are visible as particular weak points. In the most active areas, the ground moves eastward by more than 25 millimeters per year, while in other areas, it moves a maximum of ten millimeters in the opposite direction.
(Image:Â ESA (Data source: Wright, T. et al, 2026).)
Another map shows the speed at which individual regions are subsiding and others are being uplifted. Here too, the picture is not clear-cut but rather patchwork. Overall, the study tells a completely different story than the old models predicted, explains study leader Tim Wright from the University of Leeds. His team recommends conducting similar analyses in other collision zones. The findings are already being used to help countries and communities improve earthquake protection. The research work was published by the team in the scientific journal Science.
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The European Copernicus program is now over ten years old and, with numerous satellites, reliably provides up-to-date and highly precise Earth observation data at all times. They already demonstrated their ability to detect even tiny changes on the Earth's surface ten years ago. Meanwhile, ESA is even testing the Sentinel-2A satellite to take night shots, for which it was not originally intended. The analysis of the Tibetan Plateau, which Nuno Miranda from ESA describes as “truly exceptional,” once again demonstrates Europe's leading role in exploring the Earth from space.
(mho)
