Study examining active buried faults using shallow seismic reflection and joint multi-drilling: A case from the Xinding Basin, Shanxi Graben system

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Active buried faults are a type of potential seismic source that are typically very difficult to explore and study in detail due to their undetectability using traditional geological survey methods. A ring of active basins has currently formed around the stable Ordos Block. However, few studies have been conducted to determine the activity of buried faults in these basins. This study utilized the Xinding Basin of the northern Shanxi Rift System as the target area. Based on comprehensive evidence from shallow seismic exploration, joint geological multi-drilling, and Quaternary dating methods, a new buried active fault named the Xinzhou Fault (XF) was identified in the Dingxiang Graben, a subbasin of the Xinding Basin. The youngest faulted layer was dated to earlier than 144.84 ± 16.92ka and is likely at approximately 118.94 ± 15.2ka. The slip rate of the newly observed Xinzhou Fault could be limited to 0.08–0.12 mm/a since the Late Pleistocene. This fault that was the first NW-striking active fault in the Shanxi Rift System is likely a secondary tension fracture of the main NE-striking Holocene basin-controlling faults. Currently, a strong earthquake at M7.2 can be considered as the maximum seismic potential of the XF, thus posing a significant seismic hazard to the area of the Xinding Basin. The discovery of this NW-striking active fault likely presents a low seismic risk. However, the occurrence of a strong earthquake should not be ignored due to its high seismic hazard.