Abstract: The annual changing rates of the crustal strain energy density in China's continent are calculated by using the finite element method, and the calculation is constrained with the tectonic stress field and the GPS results of crustal motion. The numerical model is con­structed with 3 D elasto-viscous body, and some large-scale active faults are involved. Gravity and buoyancy forces are considered in Tibetan plateau. Some boundary loading is applied as convergence of Eurasia plate with Pacific plate and Indian plate. The calculation results are compared with the distribution map of strong earthquakes in China. The transi­t1onal zones of the positive and negative strain energy changing rate areas are just corre sponding to Longmenshan fault, Yanshan-Yinshan E W tectonic zone, Tianshan tectonic zoe, Xianshuihe Xiaojiang fault, Hong he fault, faults around Erdos block, which are all the strong earthquake zones in history. The recurrence interval of the strong earthquakes is evaluated with the calculation results of the changing rates of the crustal strain-energy density. The recurrence interval in western China should be 250 years or so, and it may be longer in eastern China.

Key words: China's continent, Crustal strain energy density, Annual changing rate, Strong earthquake activity, Finite element method