Seismicity of the Erguna Region (Northeastern China): Evidence for Local Stress Redistribution

Abstract

ABSTRACT We consider the seismicity of the Erguna region in northeast China (48°–51° N, 117°–123° E) which is poorly studied from seismological point of view as it is characterized by a low level of seismic activity. We calculate focal parameters (focal mechanisms, scalar seismic moments, moment magnitudes, and hypocentral depths) for seven regional earthquakes with Mw 4.2–4.6 that occurred in 2000–2017 using global seismic data of Rayleigh- and Love-wave amplitude spectra and P-wave first-motion polarities recorded at regional stations. It has been shown that the study earthquakes are of small magnitudes (Mw 4.2–4.6), of various hypocentral depths (3–37 km), and are characterized by different kinematics in their sources (normal and thrust faults, strike slips). The different faulting mechanisms could reflect local stress redistribution in small-scale crustal blocks bordered by local short-length nonconnecting faults. The available geophysical and geological data evidence that the observed features of the seismic process in the Erguna region—low-seismic activity and inhomogeneity of the stress-strain field—are likely to be controlled by the structure of the crust and the upper mantle.