We investigated the Vocontian Basin in SE of France to understand its tectonic evolution and its preservation of deformation as it is at the intersection between Alps and Pyrenees. By combining calcite U–Pb dating, burial modeling and Raman thermometry, we identified three major deformation phases from the Late Cretaceous to the Miocene. Our results highlight how brittle deformation, fluid circulation, and thermal gradients record the interplay of multiple mountain-building and rifting events.

We utilize two decades of continuous GPS data to investigate crustal deformation in Romania, a region that has long been regarded as tectonically stable. Despite the end of major collisions millions of years ago, deep earthquakes and active faults indicate ongoing strain. We estimate horizontal and vertical velocities, strain rates, and dominant deformation styles. Our results reveal localized uplift and extension in the foreland, linked to slab dynamics beneath the southeast Carpathians.

A 460-km seismic profile across North Qilian Shan to Beishan reveals crustal thickness (47.5–60 km; 5 layers), thickest at Jiuquan Basin (59.5–60 km). Average crustal velocity: 6.24–6.43 km/s; Pn: 7.7–8.1 km/s. Velocity variance indicates crustal heterogeneity. Beishan's southern fault acts as a boundary: opposing thrust directions cause upper crustal deformation, with weaker crust southward. Northward-tilted Paleozoic velocity contours suggest northward Qilian Ocean subduction.