Abstract On the basis of the related data of seismogeology, geophysics, focal mechanism solutions and GPS a 3D finite element model of active faults in Guangzhou area was built up to simulate recent the motion mode and the Coulomb rupture stress rate p.a. of four active faults in Guangzhou area under the given boundary condition .The computed results are as follows: the motion modes of the south and the north segments of GuangzhouConghua fault are both compressive thrust；the motion mode of the west segment of Shougouling fault is rightlateral strike slip while its east segment is dominantly rightlateral strike slip and thrust also； the motion modes of the west and the east branches of Zhujiangkou fault are both leftlateral strike slip and thrust also. The average Coulomb rupture stress rates p.a. of GuangzhouConghua fault and the east segment of Shougouling fault are evidently higher than those of the west segment of Shougouling fault and the west and the east branches of Zhujiangkou fault. The simulation results comparatively accord with the seismic activity features in this area.
