Source region of Mw7.4 of 6 Feb. has a complicated 3D lithospheric structure: interaction between the Ryuku subduction and accretionary wedge, the accreted Luzon arc (now forming the coastal range), the Philippines plate, and the Taiwan orogenic prism (central range and foothills).
1/n

Follow

This E-W section at Hualien latitude only shows a 2D view of the complex 3D structure. If the ~20-40km hypocentral depth of the Mw7.4 is true*, it's difficult to figure out which fault ruptured. Could be one not reaching upper crustal levels. Just hypotheses.
2/n

Section from Lallemand 2014, doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2013.

* Saying "If the ~20-40km depth of the rupture is true" is a big IF as the Taiwan seismic center puts epicenter of the main shock at 15km only. Needs further studies.

Two magnitude 6+ event happened in 2018 and 2019 in the very same region than the 3 Februaryb 2024 Mw7.4. The 2018 Mw6.4 had a complex (strike-slip + reverse, several fault segments) shallow crustal rupture.
3/n

See: doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.11 and doi.org/10.1785/0220180228

Show thread

The Eastern coast of Taiwan is prone to big as this map from Tang and collaborators shows. Main shallow crustal active faults are the Central Range Fault (W-dipping, earthquakes and ruptured zones in red and orange) and the Longitudinal Valley Fault (E-dipping, in blue) 5/n
From: doi.org/10.1038/s43247-023-009

Show thread
Sign in to participate in the conversation
Qoto Mastodon

QOTO: Question Others to Teach Ourselves
An inclusive, Academic Freedom, instance
All cultures welcome.
Hate speech and harassment strictly forbidden.