Seismotectonics of the 2013 Lushan Mw 6.7 earthquake: Inversion tectonics in the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau

On 20 April 2013, an unexpected M-w 6.7 earthquake occurred in Lushan County at the southern Longmen Shan, the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. A high-resolution seismic reflection profile was combined with near-surface geological data, earthquake relocation and geodetic measurements, and a recent deep artificial seismic reflection profile to identify the active fault and seismotectonics of this earthquake. Three-dimensional imaging of the aftershocks was used to identify two planar faults that together form a y shape (f1 and f2). Seismic interpretations suggest that fault f1 did not break through the overlying Mesozoic and Cenozoic rocks and is a typical blind fault. Geodetic measurements suggest that the coseismic deformation is consistent with the geometry and kinematics of shear fault-bend folding. Deep seismic data indicate the syndepositional nature of fault f1 a preexisting normal fault older than the Triassic, which underwent positive inversion tectonics during the Late Cenozoic. A thrust fault f3 converges with f1 at a depth of approximately 12km with an accumulated slip 3.6km. This 2013 Lushan earthquake triggered by blind faults is a hidden earthquake. Blind and reactivated faults increase the potential risk and uncertainty related to earthquakes in the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.