The Lintong–Chang’an Fault Zone (LCFZ) is an important active structure in the Weihe Graben (central China). The study on the activity of the LCFZ is not only of great significance to explore the regional tectonic mechanism, but also has practical value in urban seismic mitigation and disaster relief. In this study, based on high-resolution remotely sensed imagery, shallow seismic reflection survey, borehole data and excavation of a foundation pit, we determined the distribution and activity of the Wangjiabian–Houjiawan fault (a branch fault of the LCFZ) in the Shaoling Loess Tableland. Combined with previous studies, we further inferred that the vertical displacements were 0–6 m along the LCFZ, but most displacements were around 1 m. Furthermore, there are eight locations where no displacements have been found in the Late Pleistocene strata. The offsets on the fault zone since the Late Pleistocene display a wave-like pattern, which is unrelated to the regional topographic expression. Compared to other faults in the Weihe Graben, the activity of the LCFZ in vertical component is relatively weak, implying a possible strike–slip motion. In addition, a major active fault may exist on the northwest side of this fault zone, bearing part of the fault motion in this region.

The Upper Yellow River Basin (UYRB) is one of the most tectonically complex and seismically active regions in China, but the detailed crustal deformation and interseismic fault couplings, providing the essential parameters for geodynamics and seismic hazard analysis, are still unclear in this region. We thus adopt Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar images to form frame-based line-of-sight velocity maps, and then derive a high-resolution surface deformation map around the UYRB. Slip rates and coupling states are further inverted for some active yet less-investigated faults. For instance, we estimate a right-lateral strike-slip motion of ~2.3–3.5 mm/yr along the Riyueshan Fault, and a thrust rate of ~2.0–3.5 mm/yr across the Lajishan Fault. Finally, the seismic moment budgets and the potential magnitudes are calculated based on the fault slip deficits and historical earthquakes. The accumulated moment deficit could produce earthquakes of M_W ≥ 6.0 in most active faults, and up to M_W ≥ 7.0 along the Dongdatan-Xidatan and Maqin-Maqu segments of the East Kunlun Fault and the Jinqianghe segment of the Haiyuan Fault. Our inverted slip rates, interseismic coupling states, and potential seismic moment on the active faults provide a basis for understanding kinematic processes and assessing seismic hazards within the UYRB.