Seismo-tectonic divisions of strong earthquakes with M S≥7.0 and their tectonic geomorphology along Xianshuihe-Xiaojiang fault zone

Abstract

Seismo-tectonic areas of historical strong earthquakes with MS≥7 along Xianshuihe-Xiaojiang fault zone are divided, and their individual fault-pattern and tectonic geomorphology are analyzed. Those strong-earthquake areas are located in some special parts of the fault zone, where the major branch-faults of the fault zone form left stepping, parallel, and fork-like patterns. In the strong-earthquake areas structurally complicated basins are developed, such as pull-apart basins in fork-like area, in double stepping area, and in stepping and fork-like areas.