Intraplate extension, in a frame of a global compressional stress fiel
d, seems linked to local lithospheric perturbations (lithospheric thin
ning or thickening) able to modify the resulting state of stress [Zoba
ck, 1992]. The Baikal Rift Zone (BRZ), Siberia, is located north of th
e India-Asia collision zone and exhibits no direct communication with
any oceanic domain. It can thus be fully considered as an area of cont
inental extension, dominated by the ''global compressional intraplate
stress field'' resulting from plate driving forces. In order to addres
s the problem of its dynamics and kinematics and their links with the
India-Asia collision, a comprehensive: stress tensor analysis is prese
nted, based on 319 focal mechanisms of earthquakes located along the w
hole Baikal rift. The stress field is varying at different scales of o
bservation: when looking at central Asia (several thousands kilometers
), the maximum horizontal stress S-Hmax directions remain rather const
ant (with a fan-shape geometry) when the tectonic regime goes from com
pressional (Himalayas) to extensional (Baikal). When observing the Bai
kal rift (about 1000 Km long), clear variations of the stress regime a
re observed, from an extensional regime in the central part of the rif
t to wrench ones in its northern and southern ends. Finally, at the sc
ale of 100 km, systematic S-Hmax reorientations occur close to major r
ift faults. We thus infer that the interaction between collisional pro
cesses and inherited structures may have a strong influence on rift dy
namics. We then use computed stress tensors to predict slip vectors on
major rift faults. Deformation patterns show two distinct parts of th
e rift: the South Baikal Rift (SBR) is characterized by a constant tre
nding (around N100 degrees E) slip vector, meanwhile the North Baikal
Rift (NBR) exhibits a complex block rotation behavior involving at lea
st three crustal blocks. We propose to interpret these surficial struc
tures and motions as the result of an interaction between-the regional
compression coming from the India-Asia collision and the geometry of
the hardly deformable Siberian platform. This particular setting can e
xplain most of the surficial deformation patterns, which suggest a lar
ge-scale cracking of the lithosphere in the Baikal region. Other possi
ble sources of stress could also be considered, like deep mantellic up
welling, or trench suction linked to the Pacific subduction.