Seismogenic structures and spatiotemporal seismicity patterns of the 2022 Ms6.0 Maerkang earthquake sequence, Sichuan, China

The 2022 Ms6.0 Maerkang earthquake sequence, Sichuan, China, occurred in an unexpected area with historically rare seismicity the Bayan Har block. Here we relocated inverted for focal mechanisms of larger events, and calculated rupture directivity sequence to reveal seismogenic structures this sequence. high-precision relocations indicate that consist several clusters are generally parallel nearby NW-trending Songgang fault, relatively small-scale conjugate faults also identified. migrated from cluster one south two north during Furthermore, hypocenters were largely located at 5–10 km depth, thereby highlighting buried. vertical fault planes consistent high-dip mechanism solutions seven events. A stress field inversion based on indicates a strike-slip environment was controlled by NNW–SSE-striking principal compressive stress. different directivities M s5.8 (southwestward) s6.0 (southeastward) events prove existence faults. event induced coseismic Coulomb change 1.6 MPa where subsequently occurred, triggered produced spatiotemporal pattern We therefore conclude previously unknown concealed associated main fault. complex their potential generate large earthquakes warrant need better understand seismogenesis seismic risks may be present.