3D fault model and seismotectonics indicate the potential seismic risk in the Daliang Mountains, southeastern Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

Area of active tectonics hosts many active faults and frequently experiences moderate to large earthquakes. The possibility of devastating earthquakes makes the development of major infrastructure projects in these areas risky. World-class large-scale step hydroelectric projects were built along the Jinsha River, such as the Xiangjiaba, Xiluodu, Baihetan, and Wudongde reservoirs in the Daliang Mountains of the southeastern Tibetan Plateau. Using the SKUA-GoCAD modeling platform, we created a thorough three-dimensional (3D) model of the active faults. Regional geological information, historical strong earthquake catalogs, small earthquakes with fine displacement, and 3D seismic tomography are all integrated in this model. The Mabian-Yanjin fault belt consists of a number of discontinuous faults that are either exposed on the surface or concealed, according to the 3D fault model. Some destructive earthquakes, including two enormous M 7 and many moderate earthquakes, have occurred along this fault belt. Some pre-existing thrust faults, together with numerous immature faults in specific areas, may have been reactivated and changed into strike-slip faults. The Jinsha River basin's seismic and geological concerns must be carefully considered given the existence of such intricate fault networks and seismic activity. Supplementary material: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6949201