Interpretation of geophysical data and analysis of fault systems confirm that structures in the northern margin of Qaidam basin were formed after the Pliocene and occur as a series of right-lateral strike-slip thrusts.The faults within the strike-slip thrust belts occur as structure in sectional view

thus direct correlation of strata between the hanging wall and footwall is impossible. The formation of the right-lateral oblique thrust belts were controlled by the N-S oblique thrusting of South Qilian Orogeny and the main terrestrial stress came from the S-N intracontinental subduction of the north margin of Qaidam massive.To interpret the right-lateral strike-slip thrusting

a kinematics model is also provided.