ABSTRACT
This paper summarizes the guidline and primary content in compiling the Map of recent tectonic stress field of China, explains the basic characteristics of recent tectonic stress field of China: 1. Action of recent tectonic stress field shows durative stabilization in a specific area or geological period, 2. Horizontal action is dominant in recent tectonic stress field, 3. Regional character is obvious in the recent tectonic stress field, 4. Deep and shallow recent tectonic stress fields show good consistency, 5. Absolute value of crustal stress in west is higher than in east. According to the force source and stress structure character, the recent tectonic stress field of China is classified into four classes: the first order tectonic stress is mostly derived from plate tectonic action, and the characteristic of this kind of stress field shows uniformity and stability in large area and long time. This stress field is mostly controlled by geometry character of plate boundary and force direction acting on plate boundary. the second order tectonic stress is mostly derived from the superposition of plate action and block interaction inside the continent, showing uniformity in large tectonic units, this stress field is mostly controlled by regional tectonic movement. The scope of the third and fourth order tectonic stress is relatively small, which is local stress fields and is mostly influenced by block movement and fault interaction and controlled by space characteristics of structure and inhomogeneity of rock mechanics.
