A NEW CONSTRAINT ON STRAIN RATE OF THE RHEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF THE LITHSOPHERE
岩石圈流变结构的一种新的应变率约束

There are three constraints on the rheological structure of the lithosphere, namely, constant strain rate, constant tectonic force and the strain-rate-dependent force. However they can not describe the realistic distribution of the strain rate in the lithosphere. We present a new constraint on the rheological structure of the lithosphere whose strain rate obtained from GPS data. The calculation for the rheological structure of the lithosphere in North China indicates that this constraint can overcome the difficulties faced by the three constraints mentioned above, and more reliable rheological structure of the lithosphere can be obtained under this new constraint. Not only can the relationship between the geotectonic and rheology be reflected better, but the influences of other state or material parameters on the rheological structure can also be reflected to some extent. Problems of this constraint are also discussed.