玉树地震序列重新定位及其地震构造研究

对玉树地震序列自2010年4月11日至9月15日由台网记录到的1 832个地震采用双差地震定位法进行重新定位,获得了1 670个地震重新定位的震源参数。重新定位后的震源深度主要分布在15 km以内。重新定位后的Ms 7.1级主震发生在无地表破裂段,余震活动向两侧破裂扩展。余震沿地表破裂带基本呈线性分布,剖面上显示为近垂直的结构面,在北西端无地表破裂出露处,出现近垂直于断裂方向较宽的北东向地震密集带。震源机制解显示的主压应力方向斜交地表破裂带,地表破裂与震源破裂都表现为纯左旋走滑的错动性质,而在北西端主压应力方向偏转为近垂直于断裂带的方向,此处较宽的北东向地震密集带可能由近东西与南北两个方向的共轭破裂所组成。余震的后期活动与发展并不局限于主震形成的破裂带内,更多的受局部应力调整被触发而产生新的破裂。     

2014年云南景谷Ms6.6地震序列重定位与震源机制解特征

针对云南景谷地震序列的特征研究尚浅.为讨论2014年10月7日云南景谷M_s6.6地震的发震构造及序列分布, 利用云南测震台网提供的波形数据及观测报告, 采用MSDP软件中的Loc3dSB(川滇)模型对主震进行了精确定位, 然后利用双差定位法对2014年10月7日至31日期间的余震序列进行了重新定位; 并使用P波初动与振幅比联合反演方法计算了震源机制解.结果显示: 序列以走滑型地震为主, 主压应力具有北北东及北东两个优势方向, 序列分布呈北西向线性展布, 主体分布在西北端较浅而东南端较深的线性区域内, 说明地震的初始破裂面可能为北西向节面, 为一次右旋走滑地震; 余震分布还具有清晰的端点及转换区域, 存在显著的分段差异.另外, 东南端的余震在晚期逐渐转移到几何形态明显不同的段落上, 近期地震危险性值得关注.      

2021年5月21日漾濞MS6.4地震的发震断层及其破裂特征: 地震序列的重定位分析结果

据中国地震台网测定，2021年5月21日21时48分在云南省大理州漾濞县发生M_S6.4地震，及时查明此次地震的发震构造及震源破裂特征，可为认识该区孕震条件和判别未来强震危险性提供关键依据。采用双差定位方法对漾濞地震序列进行重新定位，得到3863次地震事件的精确震源位置。结果显示:漾濞地震序列整体呈北西—南东向分布，长约25 km；整体走向135°；M_S6.4主震震中位置为25.688°N，99.877°E；震源深度约9.6 km。综合地震序列深度剖面和震源机制解结果可知，发震断层应为北西走向、整体向西南方向陡倾的右旋走滑断层，倾角具有自北西向南东逐渐变缓的趋势。进一步分析地震序列的时空演化过程发现，该地震具有典型的"前震-主震-余震型"地震序列活动特点，其破裂过程主要包括3个阶段。破裂成核阶段:首先在发震断层10~12 km深度处相对脆弱部位产生小尺度破裂，之后失稳加速破裂，发生M_S5.6地震；主震破裂阶段:在构造应力场持续加载和周围小尺度破裂的共同影响下，促使浅部较高强度断层闭锁区破裂，形成M_S6.4主震；尾端拉张破裂阶段:主震破裂向东南扩展过程中，在东南端形成与之呈马尾状斜交的、具有正断性质的次级破裂，并产生M_S5.2余震。而且此次地震还在源区北东侧触发了北北东向的左旋走滑破裂。综合分析认为，漾濞地震是兰坪-思茅地块内部北西向草坪断裂在近南北向区域应力挤压作用下发生右旋走滑运动的结果，具有明显的新生断裂特征。近年来兰坪-思茅地块内部一系列中强地震的发生表明，青藏高原物质向东南持续挤出的过程中，遇到该地块的阻挡，正在导致地块内部早期断层贯通形成新的活动断裂。因此，川滇地块西南边界带上或相邻地块内部老断层的复活和新生断裂的产生是区域中强地震危险性分析评价中值得关注的重要课题，同时建议需重视未来该区中强地震进一步向东南和向北的迁移或扩展的可能性。      

2017年九寨沟7.0级地震序列震源机制解和构造应力场特征

九寨沟余震序列的震源机制和构造应力场有助于认识本次地震的发震构造和孕震机理。本文基于四川区域地震台网的波形资料, 采用波形拟合(CAP)方法和P波初动+振幅比(HASH)方法反演得到2017年8月8日九寨沟7.0级地震序列中59次ML≥3.0地震的震源机制解, 并基于该结果采用阻尼线性逆推法(DRSSI), 计算研究区域的平均构造应力场, 给出该区域的应力场特征。结果显示, 利用CAP方法反演得到的本次主震的最佳双力偶机制解节面I: 走向248°/倾角86°/滑动角–169°, 节面II: 走向157°/倾角79°/滑动角–4°, 矩震级为Mw6.31, 矩心深度5 km, 属走滑型地震事件; 大部分余震的震源机制解错动类型与主震一致, 矩心深度集中在3~10 km; 应力场反演结果显示, 该区域周边的应力性质为走滑型, 最大主应力方向呈NWW–SEE向, 与该区域的应力场方向一致, 表明本次地震主要受区域应力的控制。结合该区域的地震地质构造等已有研究成果, 分析认为此次地震的发震断层为走向NW–SE、倾向SW的左旋走滑断裂——树正断裂, 巴颜喀拉块体向E-SE向的水平运动受到华南块体的强烈阻挡导致此次地震的发生, 汶川地震的发生对本次地震具有一定的促进作用。     

西南太平洋地区地震序列的特征

共搜集到１９８４～１９９０年西南太平洋地区１２个板缘地震序列。多数地震序列的特征是：震中分布区域的长轴较长并且随主震震级和序列中强震次数而增加；震中分布区域的长、短轴长度的比值较高；地震序列的余震震源机制和主震的差异不大；震源深度下限超过地壳，可达７０ｋｍ以上。走滑型主震占的比例低，高倾角滑动面的走向既有与俯冲带走向平行的也有横切的，个别逆冲型地震的断层面走向横切俯冲带。它们显示出与板块俯冲带主体特征不同的现象。     

汶川Ms 8.0级地震余震重新定位及其空间分布特征研究

对南四川台网提供的2008年5月12日至2008年12月31日期间发生的地震观测报告资料进行了整理,并根据研究需要从中挑选出了2957次地震事件用于地震定位研究.然后,采用双差定位方法对汶川Ms 8.0级地震及挑选出的余震进行了重新定位,得到2678个地震的震源位置,重新定位后走时均方根残差由重新定位前的1.01s降到了0.20s,水平和垂直方向标准差分别为±0.85km和±1.3km.余震震中沿走向分布的总长度约为350km,震源深度优势分布为5～20km,平均震源深度为11.4km.文章结合地表考察破裂、震源机制解等研究结果,对余震空间分布进行了更为详细的分段和讨论,提出以下3点认识:1)余震震中沿主破裂带表现出明显的空间分段活动特征,根据余震空间分布特征和震源机制解可推测断层运动方式由一开始的逆冲为主,经过渡段最终转换为以右旋走滑为主;2)沿小鱼洞-棉篪-理县和青川-文县方向延伸的北西向余震带存在两个与龙门山构造带走向近似垂直的捩断层;3)龙门山构造带的北段(水观乡以北),存在一个斜跨北川-映秀断裂和青川-平武断裂的隐伏断层,并且该隐伏断层参与了北段余震的发震过程.     

1983年乌取地震序列特征与构造应力场间的关系

1983年乌取地震序列有明显方位界限,不仅为主震和余震的分析,而且也为了解它们之间的成因联系提供了机会。主震震源参数用强震记录的波形分析与主震相关的断层呈走滑断层,断层参数估计如下:长度5km,地震矩5.5 x 10~(24)平均位移50cm和应力降为3.9MPa。余震空间的分布,大体与主震以后剪切应力增加最大部位相一致。大多数余震发生在高的最大剪切应力区,但有少数例外。余震机制的研究结果是通过比较最大剪切应力分布和主应力轴方位得到的,主应力轴方位是对相应的断层面解作理论计算得到的,研究结果表明,环境构造应力需要考虑已观测的余震机制。作用在乌取地区的压力估计为40MPa或更大些,它与主震断层面走向呈35°～40°角,地震序列的精确观测和分析表明,在一个地震构造区内估算构造应力是可能的。     

云南四川交界M_S5.2、M_S5.9地震及余震序列重定位研究

本研究利用双差地震定位方法对2013年8月28日及8月31日云南省迪庆藏族自治州、四川省甘孜藏族自治州交界发生的M_S5.2和M_S5.9地震及其2439个余震序列进行精确重新定位,最终得到了2175个精定位地震事件。结果表明,M_S5.2和M_S5.9地震事件的震中位置非常接近,且两次地震序列的震源分布模式相近,均表现出南东向震源深度较深,而北西向震源深度较浅;剖面结果显示发震断裂德钦一中甸一大具断裂的倾角较为陡立;相比M_S5.2地震序列,M_S5.9地震序列无论在余震个数还是破裂延展范围均呈现明显增加,除了后者震级更高外,更多原因在于断层面发生破裂后更易产生余震。     

汶川8．0级地震序列时空分布研究

基于四川防震减灾信息网以及中国地震台网中心、中国地震信息网、国家地震科学数据共享中心提供的汶川8．0级地震目录资料,对2008年S月12日至2010年3月1日共1613次3．0级及以上余震的地震序列进行了时空分布分析。结果表明：汶川8．0级地震的余震大致可分为7个阶段,主震后18天应列为大地震强余震发生的警戒时间;地震序列的b值为0．751,印证了在类型相同的情况下主震震级越大b值越高的观点;地震序列的P值为1．117,与全球地震衰减速率相当;汶川地震的余震分布主要沿龙门山断裂走向北东向扩展,且具有明显分区性,自南向北分为南、中、北3区段,南区为地震起始破裂段,地震后期余震则主要分布在北区;震源深度分布在10～40km,集中在10～20km,表明龙门山断裂主要发生在中上地壳,且震源深度由南向北呈现逐渐变浅的趋势;震源深度扩展,南区呈明显脉冲状,中区主要是依次由15、30、25km深度向深、浅层同时扩展,北区余震深度分布呈“乙”字型,最后稳定在15km左右。     

1999年岫岩Ms5.4级地震前震、主震、余震应变异常特征的研究

能否捕捉到临震前兆信息在相当程度上依赖于观测技术的进步。营口地震台连续记录的SW应变监测仪在辽宁岫岩Ms5 .4级地震中获取的资料表明 ,岫岩地震主震前的前震序列在受力加载中发震 ,震后呈现出继续受力加载状态 ;主震后的余震序列呈现出卸载状态下发震 ;在临近地震主破裂时应变方向和幅值的变化尤为明显。(1)岫岩地震序列概述 :1999年 11月 2 9日中国辽宁省岫岩发生了Ms5 .4级地震 ,震中位于 4 0°32′N ,12 1°4 8′E。该地震发生在 1975年海城 7.3级地震余震区东南端的延长线上。 1999年 11月 9日岫岩地区开始出现前震序列 ,震中分…     

The 2002 Molise earthquake sequence: What can we learn about the tectonics of southern Italy?

On October 31, 2002 a M_L = 5.4 earthquake occurred in southern Italy, at the margin between the Apenninic thrust belt (to the west) and the Adriatic plate (to the east). In this area, neither historical event nor seismogenic fault is reported in the literature. In spite of its moderate magnitude, the earthquake caused severe damage in cities close to the epicenter and 27 people, out of a total of 29 casualties, were killed by the collapse of a primary school in S. Giuliano di Puglia. By inverting broadband regional waveforms, we computed moment tensor solutions for 15 events, as small as M_L = 3.5 (M_w = 3.7). The obtained focal mechanisms show pure strike-slip geometry, mainly with focal planes oriented to NS (sinistral) and EW (dextral). In several solutions focal planes are rotated counterclockwise, in particular for later events, occurring west of the mainshock. From the relocated aftershock distribution, we found that the mainshock ruptured along an EW plane, and the fault mechanisms of some aftershocks were not consistent with the mainshock fault plane. The observed stress field, resulting from the stress tensor inversion, shows a maximum principal stress axis with an east–west trend (N83°W), whereas the minimum stress direction is almost N–S. Considering both the aftershock distribution and moment tensor solutions, it appears that several pre-existing faults were activated rather than a single planar fault associated with the mainshock. The finite fault analysis shows a very simple slip distribution with a slow rupture velocity of 1.1 km/s, that could explain the occurrence of a second mainshock about 30 h after. Finally, we attempt to interpret how the Molise sequence is related to the normal faulting system to the west (along the Apennines) and the dextral strike-slip Mattinata fault to the east.     

Spectra of the earthquake sequence February-March, 1981, in south-central Sweden

On February 13, 1981 a relatively strong earthquake occurred in the Lake Vänern region in south-central Sweden. The shock had a magnitude ofM_L = 3.3 and was followed within three weeks by three aftershocks, with magnitudes 0.5 ≤ M_L ≤ 1.0. The focal mechanism solution of the main shock indicates reverse faulting with a strike in the N-S or NE-SW direction and a nearly horizontal compressional stress. The aftershocks were too small to yield data for a full mechanism solution, but first motions of P-waves, recorded at two stations, are consistent for the aftershocks. Dynamic source parameters, derived from Pg- and Sg-wave spectra, show similar stress drops for the main shock (2 bar) and the aftershocks (1 bar), while the differences in seismic moment (1.5·10²⁰ resp. 4·10¹⁸dyne cm), fault length (0.7 resp. 0.2 km) and relative displacement (0.15 resp. 0.03 cm) are significant.     

Seismic Source Parameters for the ML = 5.4 Athens Earthquake (7 September 1999) from a New Telemetric Broad Band Seismological Network in Greece

A regional telemetric network of twelve digital broad-band seismic stations has been in full operation since the beginning of 1999, in Greece, operated by the Institute of Geodynamics of the National Observatory of Athens (GI-NOA). On 7 September1999, a M_L = 5.4 main shock occurred just 18 kilometers to the north of the Greek capital Athens, causing severe damage and loss of life. The broad band network recorded the seismic sequence and the main shock and 18 aftershocks were selected in order to determine their seismic source parameters and scaling relations by the spectral analysis method.The results indicate a main shock seismic momentM₀ = 5.7 × 10²⁴ dyn-cm in general agreementwith that reported by other agencies and two different source models were used to determine the respective fault radii and displacements for comparison and evaluation purposes.In addition, by investigating source parameters for the aftershocks, it was found that the seismic moment correlates very well with the earthquake magnitude (M_L) and corner frequency (F_C) through the following relationships:Log M₀ = 1.80M_L + 15.19 and Log M₀ = - 3.17F_C + 22.09,respectively. These results and scaling relations are in general agreement with those obtained by other studies and in view of the fact that digital seismic instrumentation is now expanding in Greece, these first results from spectral analysis of digital broad band data can be considered useful for future relevant investigations.     

The effect of static Coulomb stress changes on the earthquake interaction in South-Central Apennines (Italy)

We have computed static stress changes associated to several earthquakes occurred in the Apennine chain, in Italy. Stress associated with fault slip has been computed by the Okada (1992) formulation. Static Coulomb stress changes associated to three subevents forming the Irpinia, 1980, Ms=6.9 main shock indicate that such subevents have been consecutively triggered, each one by stress changes produced by previous ones. Furthermore, aftershocks of this complex faulting event are well correlated with zones of maximum increase of Coulomb stress. The interplay of regional stress and of local stress changes due to the mainshock produces an aftershock distribution considerably wide and a large variability of focal mechanisms. Variability of focal mechanism is consistent with a low level of background regional stress (less than 2 Mpa). The analysis of two further seismic sequence in the central Apennine, occurred on 1979 close to Norcia town (M_L=5.9) and on 1984 in National Park of Abruzzo (M_L=5.5), also show a clear correlation of aftershock occurrence with positive Coulomb stress changes generated by mainshocks. The static stress change due to the mainshock of 1984, in Abruzzo region, is likely to have triggered, 4 days after, a further mainshock (M_L=5.1) on the northern edge prolongation of the main fault, where the Coulomb stress change is maximum.Such evidences indicate a strong correlation among earthquakes in the Apennine chain, trough static stress changes, at several time and space scales. Modelling of such effects is useful both for improving our knowledge of the earthquake dynamics and for a better evaluation of seismic hazard in Italy.     

Earthquakes in Switzerland and surrounding regions during 2015 and 2016

This report summarizes the seismicity in Switzerland and surrounding regions in the years 2015 and 2016. In 2015, the Swiss Seismological Service detected and located 735 earthquakes in the region under consideration. With a total of 20 earthquakes of magnitude M_L ≥ 2.5, the seismic activity of potentially felt events in 2015 was close to the average of 23 earthquakes over the previous 40 years. Seismic activity was above average in 2016 with 872 located earthquakes of which 31 events had M_L ≥ 2.5. The strongest event in the analyzed period was the M_L 4.1 Salgesch earthquake, which occurred northeast of Sierre (VS) in October 2016. The event was felt in large parts of Switzerland and had a maximum intensity of V. Derived focal mechanisms and relative hypocenter relocations of aftershocks image a SSE dipping reverse fault, which likely also hosted an M_L 3.9 earthquake in 2003. Another remarkable earthquake sequence in the Valais occurred close to Sion with four felt events (M_L 2.7–3.2) in 2015/16. We associate this sequence with a system of WNW-ESE striking fault segments north of the Rhône valley. Similarities with a sequence in 2011, which was located about 10 km to the NE, suggest the existence of an en-echelon system of basement faults accommodating dextral slip along the Rhône-Simplon line in this area. Another exceptional earthquake sequence occurred close to Singen (Germany) in November 2016. Relocated hypocenters and focal mechanisms image a SW dipping transtensional fault segment, which is likely associated with a branch of the Hegau-Bodensee Graben. On the western boundary of this graben, micro-earthquakes close to Schlattingen (TG) in 2015/16 are possibly related to a NE dipping branch of the Neuhausen Fault. Other cases of earthquakes felt by the public during 2015/16 include earthquakes in the region of Biel, Vallorcine, Solothurn, and Savognin.     

Recent activity and seismotectonics of the Eastern Pyrenees

Results from a recent earthquake in the Eastern Pyrenees are presented and the seismotectonics of the region is analyzed from the presently available data. On 26 September 1984 an earthquake (M_L = 4.4) took place in the area of the historical destructive earthquake of 1428. Several portable stations installed in the epicentral area to record aftershocks permitted of defining a precise location at 42°19.2′N, 2°10.2′E and 5 km depth. A maximum felt intensity of V (MSK) is obtained from macroseismic data. The epicentral location lies within a block bounded by E-W-trending structures and the focal solution shows right-lateral shearing with a NW-SE pressure axis.The seismicity in the Eastern Pyrenees shows a complex pattern which can be associated with both E-W fractures and NE-SW fault systems. Focal solutions of another two recent earthquakes of M_L ~ 4, with differences in horizontal pressure axis, are also discussed.     

The February 11, 2004 Dead Sea earthquake ML = 5.2 in Jordan and its tectonic implication

A moderate-sized (M_w  5.3) earthquake occurred in the Dead Sea basin on February 11, 2004. A rigorous seismological analysis of the main shock and numerous aftershocks suggests that seismogenic structure was a secondary, antithetic fault within the Dead Sea fault system. The main shock is well located using all available regional seismic stations, and 43 aftershocks were precisely located relative to the main shock using a double difference algorithm. The first motion, focal mechanism for this earthquake demonstrates NNW–SSE and ENE–WSW striking nodal planes, and the aftershocks distribution is consistent with the latter — indicating a right-lateral sense of displacement. This orientation and sense of shear are consistent with similarly oriented geological faults around the Dead Sea basin — these structures are likely antithetic faults within the transform system. Although moderate in size, earthquakes that occur very close to the large Dead Sea fault system warrant consideration in the earthquake hazard assessment of the region: For example, owing to the proximity to the main fault, moderate earthquakes such as this may produce static changes in Coulomb stress along the main fault.     

The Mw = 6.0, 7 September 1999 Athens Earthquake

On 7 September 1999 at 11:56 GMT a destructive earthquake (M_w = 6.0) occurred close to Athens (Greece). The rupture process is examined using data from the Cornet local permanent network, as well as teleseismic recordings. Data recorded by a temporary seismological network were analyzed to study the aftershock sequence. The mainshock was relocated at 38.105°N, 23.565°E, about 20 km northwest of Athens. Four foreshocks were also relocated close to the mainshock. The modeling of teleseismic P and SH waves provides a well-constrained focal mechanism of the mainshock (strike = 105°, dip = 55° and rake = -80°) at a depth of 8 km and a seismic moment M₀ = 1.010²⁵ dyn·cm. The obtained fault plane solution represents normal faulting indicating an almost north-south extension. More than 3500 aftershocks were located, 1813 of which present RMS < 0.1 s and ERH, ERZ < 1.0 km. Two main clusters were distinguished, while the depth distribution is concentrated between 2 and 11 km. Over 1000 fault plane solutions of aftershocks were constrained, the majority of which also correspond to N–S extension. No surface breaks were observed but the fault plane solution of the mainshock is in agreement with the tectonics of the area and with the focal mechanisms obtained by aftershocks. The hypocenter of the mainshock is located on the deep western edge of the fault plane. The relocated epicenter coincides with the fringe that represents the highest deformation observed on the differential interferometric image. The calculated source duration is 5 sec, while the estimated dimensions of the fault are 15 km length and 10 km width. The source process is characterized by unilateral eastward rupture propagation, towards the city of Athens. An evident stop phase observed in the recordings of the Cornet local stations is interpreted as a barrier caused by the Aegaleo Mountain.     

Study of the epicentral trends and depth sections for aftershocks of the 26th january 2001, Bhuj earthquake in Western India

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) established a twelve-station temporary microearthquake (MEQ) network to monitor the aftershocks in the epicenter area of the Bhuj earthquake (M _w7.5) of 26th January 2001. The main shock occurred in the Kutch rift basin with the epicenter to the north of Bhachao village, at an estimated depth of 25 km (IMD). About 3000 aftershocks (M _d ≥ 1.0), were recorded by the GSI network over a monitoring period of about two and half months from 29th January 2001 to 15th April 2001. About 800 aftershocks (M _d ≥ 2.0) are located in this study. The epicenters are clustered in an area 60 km × 30 km, between 23.3‡N and 23.6‡N and 70‡E and 70.6‡E. The main shock epicenter is also located within this zone. Two major aftershock trends are observed; one in the NE direction and other in the NW direction. Out of these two trends, the NE trend was more pronounced with depth. The major NE-SW trend is parallel to the Anjar-Rapar lineament. The other trend along NW-SE is parallel to the Bhachao lineament. The aftershocks at a shallower depth (<10km) are aligned only along the NW-SE direction. The depth slice at 10 km to 20 km shows both the NE-SW trend and the NW-SE trend. At greater depth (20 km–38 km) the NE-SW trend becomes more predominant. This observation suggests that the major rupture of the main shock took place at a depth level more than 20 km; it propagated along the NE-SW direction, and a conjugate rupture followed the NW-SE direction. A N-S depth section of the aftershocks shows that some aftershocks are clustered at shallower depth ≤ 10 km, but intense activity is observed at 15–38 km depth. There is almost an aseismic layer at 10–15 km depth. The activity is sparse below 38 km. The estimated depth of the main shock at 25 km is consistent with the cluster of maximum number of the aftershocks at 20–38 km. A NW-SE depth section of the aftershocks, perpendicular to the major NE-SW trend, indicates a SE dipping plane and a NE-SW depth section across the NW-SE trend shows a SW dipping plane. The epicentral map of the stronger aftershocksM ≥ 4.0 shows a prominent NE trend. Stronger aftershocks have followed the major rupture trend of the main shock. The depth section of these stronger aftershocks reveals that it occurred in the depth range of 20 to 38 km, and corroborates with a south dipping seismogenic plane.     

The 1984 Abruzzo earthquake (Italy): an example of seismogenic process controlled by interaction between differently oriented synkinematic faults

The evolution of the seismogenic process associated with the M_s 5.8 Sangro Valley earthquake of May 1984 (Abruzzo, central Italy) is closely controlled by the Quaternary extensional tectonic pattern of the area. This pattern is characterised by normal faults mainly NNW striking, whose length is controlled by pre-existing Mio–Pliocene N100±10° left-lateral strike-slip fault zones. These are partly re-activated as right-lateral normal-oblique faults under the Quaternary extensional regime and behave as transfer faults.Integration of re-located aftershocks, focal mechanisms and structural features are used to explain the divergence between the alignment of aftershocks (WSW–ENE) and the direction of seismogenic fault planes defined by the focal mechanisms (NNW–SSE) of the main shock and of the largest aftershock (M_s=5.3).The faults that appear to be involved in the seismogenic process are the NNW–SSE Barrea fault and the E–W M. Greco fault. There is field evidence of finite Quaternary deformation indicating that the normal Barrea fault re-activates the M. Greco fault as right-lateral transfer fault. No surface faulting was observed during the seismic sequence. The apparently incongruent divergence between aftershocks and nodal planes may be explained by interpreting the M. Greco fault as a barrier to the propagation of earthquake rupturing. The rupture would have nucleated on the Barrea fault, migrating along-strike towards NNW. The sharp variation in direction from the Barrea to the M. Greco fault segments would have represented a structural complexity sufficient to halt the rupture and subsequent concentration of post-seismic deformation as aftershocks around the line of intersection between the two fault planes.Fault complexities, similar to those observed in the Sangro Valley, are common features of the seismic zone of the Apennines. We suggest that the zones of interaction between NW–SE and NNW–SSE Plio-Quaternary faults and nearly E–W transfer faults, extending for several kilometres in the same way as M. Greco does, might act as barriers to the along-strike propagation of rupture processes during normal faulting earthquakes. This might have strong implications on seismic hazard, especially for the extent of the maximum magnitude expected on active faults during single rupture episodes.