Scientists have created the first high-resolution surface velocity field for the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding areas by combining data from 22,000 Sentinel-1 satellite radar images and sparse ground GNSS stations.[2][3] These geodetic velocities reveal the role of weak faults in the deformation of the Tibetan Plateau due to the collision of the rigid Indian lithosphere with Eurasia.[1][3] Surface deformation is broadly consistent with continuous ductile deformation that is interrupted by localized displacements on several major fault systems.[2] The main findings show that continental deformation is best characterized by a combination of continuous diffuse deformation and concentrated stress on several major fault systems.[3] Viscous continuum modeling has been modified to include concentrated stress on these faults, such as the Kunlun.[2] The resolution of the velocity field reaches approximately 20 km using a triangular grid.[2] The study provides a detailed map of current displacement rates on the surface of the Tibetan Plateau for testing geodynamic models.[2][3]