Fine Seismogenic Fault Structures and Complex Rupture Characteristics of the 2022 <i>M</i>6.8 Luding, Sichuan Earthquake Sequence Revealed by Deep Learning and Waveform Modeling

Abstract An approximate 236‐year interval in major seismic activity near the southern Xianshuihe fault terminated on 5 September 2022 until a destructive M 6.8 Luding earthquake. The strike‐slip mainshock, accompanied by potent normal‐faulting aftershocks, fell short of previously anticipated 7+ event. Utilizing deep‐learning and source inversion techniques, we analyzed dense near‐field seismograms to examine detailed structures rupture characteristics. Our high‐quality relocated catalog with 7,388 events revealed that earthquake ruptured an unmapped multiscale network. analysis mainshock 43 L ≥ 2.8 aftershocks suggests relate vertical movement Gongga Mountain. sequence length, gaps, asperities derived from seismicity waveform modeling imply quake was incomplete, indicating high risk future 6+ event at northern Moxi segment. These findings hold crucial implications for assessing hazards this region.