On the basis of elastic rebound theory,using the horizontal velocity field of the Chinese mainland calculated from GPS data during three observation periods from 1999 to 2007,the velocity components that are parallel and plumb to the fault zone are calculated respectively for different periods,and then relative ground movements of two sides of the fault zone are analyzed with power function fitting and graphics. The results show that the relative ground movement shows right-lateral shear deformation before the Wenchuan MS8. 0 earthquake,and at the same time the movement was hindered by the Longmenshan fault zone. Thus,this result has positive significance for distinguishing the elastic strain energy accumulation and deformation anomaly in an earthquake preparation process,and for conducting further research on earthquake prediction.
