Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>How intra-block faults modulate continental strain partitioning and seismic hazard remains poorly quantified owing to limited geodetic constraints. Here, we integrate high-resolution InSAR and GNSS observations to characterize crustal deformation of the central-eastern Bayan Har block (CE-BHB) in Tibet. Our results reveal that the CE-BHB accommodates ~ 13 mm/yr left-lateral motion west of the Longriba fault, with intra-block faults contributing 37% of total shear strain. The eastward-decreasing slip rate of the East Kunlun fault is predominantly accommodated by secondary faults within the CE-BHB, rather than being transferred northward. Heterogeneous slip rates and locking depths of boundary and intra-block faults, as well as widespread shear strain, verify a distributed deformation pattern beyond classic rigid block kinematics. We propose a semi-confined non-rigid bookshelf-fault model to explain the CE-BHB's contemporary tectonic deformation and strain transfer characteristics. This study highlights the indispensable role of intra-block faults in plateau dynamic evolution and seismic potential evaluation.</p>