The authors have made a comparative study of surface deformations deduced from the analysis of recent faults, and deformation in depth deduced from, focal mechanisms associated with shallow earthquakes. The initial results obtained in the Paphos region of Cyprus are presented. Study of striations on centi- to decametric-scale fracture surfaces which affect Plio-Quaternary beaches in the Paphos region has enabled the authors to determine statistically the position of the principal axes of Plio-Quaternary deformation: lengthening X (strike N32°, dip 12°NE), shortening Z (N297°, 23°NW) and intermediate Y (N138°, 65°SE). On the 10th of September 1953 a superficial earthquake (depth 6 km) of 6.5 magnitude occurred near Paphos (location 34.9°N, 32.2°E) whose focal mechanism has been studied. Fault-plane solutions were obtained using 36 data points relating to the initial movements of the P-waves measured by longand short-period seismographs. Unfortunately the distribution of data with respect to the focus is such that it does not permit a single, but rather three possible solutions. Two of these are compatible with the model of deformation deduced from surface study. While the most probable solution favours a normal fault (solution no. 3), the system of deep strike-slip faults (solution no. 2) is equally compatible with the existence of predominantly normal surface faults. The preliminary results constitute part of a more regional study of the eastern Mediterranean. The authors consider it fundamental to establish this type of correlation when studying neotectonics.