Why are there so many strong earthquakes in Xinjiang? Will there be strong aftershocks? Expert analysis

According to the official measurement of the China Earthquake Networks Center, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake occurred at 2:09 a.m. on January 23 in Wushi County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang, with a focal depth of 22 kilometers and an epicenter at 41.26 degrees north latitude and 78.63 degrees east longitude. After that, there were several aftershocks. Currently, the China Earthquake Administration is organizing an emergency meeting. Han Yanyan, a senior engineer at the China Earthquake Networks Center, analyzed the characteristics of this earthquake.

What type of earthquake is this?

Han Yanyan, senior engineer of China Earthquake Networks Center: Based on a comprehensive analysis of regional tectonic characteristics, historical seismic activity levels, sequence characteristics and geophysical observations, it is believed that this earthquake is more likely to be a main-aftermath type.

What are the characteristics of this earthquake? Why are many earthquakes in Xinjiang so strongly felt?

Han Yanyan, senior engineer of China Earthquake Networks Center : The Tianshan seismic belt is located in Central Asia, with the Pamir Plateau and Tarim Basin in the south and the Kazakh Platform and Junggar Basin in the north. Since the Cenozoic Era, due to the long-range effect of the strong collision and continuous compression of the Indian plate on the Eurasian plate, this area is one of the regions with strong tectonic movement in China. On average, an earthquake of magnitude 7 or above occurs every 7 years. The most recent one was a magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Tajikistan on February 23, 2023.

This earthquake has a large magnitude and a focal depth of 22 kilometers, making it a shallow-source earthquake, so it will cause strong shaking in many places.

Are there likely to be stronger aftershocks?

Han Yanyan, senior engineer of China Earthquake Networks Center : As of 3:40, 13 aftershocks of magnitude 3 or above have been recorded, and the largest aftershock recorded is 5.3. The magnitude of this earthquake is 7.1, and it is initially determined to be a main aftershock sequence. The possibility of strong aftershocks cannot be ruled out in the future.

Planning and production

Source: CCTV News Client

Editor: He Tong