The 2022 Menyuan Mw6.7 Earthquake Triggered by 2016 M6.4 Earthquake and Stress Transfer on Surrounding Fault Systems in NE margin of Tibetan Plateau, China

Abstract

Abstract The Tuolaishan-Lenglongling fault, situated on the northeastern margin of Tibetan plateau, is characterized by highly seismic activity. Over the past four decades, three moderate earthquakes with a magnitude exceeding M6.0 have occurred around this fault. The most recent event, the 2022 Menyuan Mw6.7 earthquake has inspired the interest to its seismic hazard since the 2016 M6.4 and the 1984 M6.4 earthquake. Based source fault models we conducted the calculation of static Coulomb stress change for the recent two earthquake events. Our studies show that the 2022 M6.7 earthquake including its aftershocks has been triggered by the previous event of the 2016 M6.4 earthquake. Utilizing source fault models, we conducted calculations of static Coulomb stress change for the two recent earthquake events. Our analysis indicates that the 2022 M6.7 earthquake, along with its aftershocks, was triggered by the preceding 2016 M6.4 earthquake. Additionally, we performed calculations to assess the stress transfer resulting from the 2022 Mw6.7 earthquake on the adjacent fault systems, identifying the fault segments experiencing increased stress. Furthermore, the Tuolashan-Lenglongling fault exhibits the highest expected seismicity rate among the calculated fault systems. Consequently, increased attention should be directed towards these fault segments experiencing heightened stress to evaluate potential seismic hazard.