Tectonic Interpretation of the Earthquake Distribution in the Contiguous Continent of the United States

Abstract With increasing high-quality geological and geophysical data it becomes clear that seismicity of the continents is characterized by linear patterns which are closely associated with tectonic features. The aim of this paper is to give reasonable interpretation for the earthquake distribution in the contiguous continent of the United States. Seismic lines and earthquake concentrated zones are defined, which reflect the characteristics of the continental seismotectonics. Similarities and differences in seismotectonics between the continental part of China and the contiguous continent of US are analysed. It is demonstrated that the spatial distribution of earthquakes can provide the information of the active structures in the earth's crust. The authors consider that the patterns of continental seismotectonics are not only controlled by the pre—existing tectonic frameworks and the current boundary dynamic conditions, but also possibly affected by dynamic factors of global tectonics at a higher level.