The high complexity of tectonic deformation and seismic activity in intracontinental settings cannot be explained by the theory of plate tectonics only.The Tibetan Plateau,extraordinary example of continental tectonic deformation,is characterized by different types of tectonic deformation in different parts of the plateau not only in terms of geology,topography,geomorphology and active faulting, but also in terms of different seismicity characteristics.It can be divided in the following areas:①The northern Tibetan Plateau (north of the Kunlun fault),which is under compression while being characterized by a basin and range structure,which formed by a series of thrust faults.There,continuous deformation occurs by upper crustal shortening.②The rigid Bayan Har block between the Kunlun and Xianshuihe faults,is characterized by eastward motion of the entire block,with deformation mainly localized along its margins.To the east,the relatively rigid Longmenshan block between the Longriba and Longmenshan faults is strongly compressed due to the stable Sichuan basin.③The western part of the central plateau,the Qiangtang terrane,is dominated by extensional deformation along a series of minor normal and strike-slip faults,due to continuous deformation in the upper crust,driven by eastward extrusion.By contrast,the eastern part of the Qiangtang terrane is extruded eastward as a somewhat rigid block between large strike-slip faults.④The southern Tibetan plateau is governed by east-west extension thanks to N-S trending rifts.The southern margin of the plateau is characterized by large thrusts.Large historical and instrumental earthquakes (M≥8) only occurred along large strike-slip in the NE and SE parts of the plateau,and along large thrust faults in the eastern and southern margins,very frequent along the latter.In other parts of the plateau, only earthquake of M<8 occurred so far.These different regional crustal deformations and seismic activities are important features of intracontinental tectonic deformation.