Earthquake Migration and Hidden Faults in the Priamurye Region

The detection of tectonic fracturing zones in the form of hidden faults, which are not exposed at the surface but are capable of generating intense seismic oscillations and causing hazardous geological phenomena, is a vital problem to be solved in the Priamurye region. We propose a comprehensive approach following which the earthquake migration data are taken as a basis for the detection of hidden faults, while the geophysical and morphostructural data are involved as the additional information for validating the obtained results. In our study, we detail the earthquake migration tendencies and estimate the migration direction and velocity. Based on these data, tectonic fracturing zones are identified and the hidden faults and their segments where persistent earthquake migration is manifested are revealed in the Priamurye region. The data that establish the direction and velocity of the earthquake epicenter migration will provide forecasting and assessment of natural hazards in the Priamurye region.