Coseismic surface ruptures, slip distribution, and 3D seismogenic fault for the 2021 Mw 7.3 Maduo earthquake, central Tibetan Plateau, and its tectonic implications

Abstract

The 2021 Mw 7.3 Maduo earthquake, which hit the high mountain area of the internal Bayan Har Block in the central Tibetan Plateau, generated a ~ 154 km-long, nearly E-W-striking surface rupture zone. Field observations indicate prominent surface breaks characterized by discontinuous shear faults, en echelon tensional fissures, and mole track structures, revealing a dominantly left-lateral strike-slip motion with a maximum sinistral offset of ~2.7–2.8 m and general offset of ~1.0–1.5 m. The west part of the Maduo surface rupture zone occurred along the pre-existing Jiangcuo fault. Its east portion cut through some WNW-trending tectonics, indicating a previously unknown fault. The epicenter and slip distribution show a bilateral rupture for the Maduo quake. The complex 3D geometry of the Maduo seismogenic fault has controlled the occurrence of aftershocks and the multimodal distribution of coseismic displacements. The abnormally long Maduo surface rupture zone suggests that the rupture area-magnitude relationship might be more applicable than the rupture length-magnitude relationship for the magnitude estimation of a paleo-event. The occurrence of the Maduo earthquake challenges the active block model which used to predict little or no slip partitioning and large earthquakes in the block interior. A reappraisal of seismic hazard along intra-block faults with low strain rates is needed, especially across densely populated regions.