Source Parameters of the 1906 Manas (Mw 7.7), 1944 Xinyuan (Mw 7.2) and 1812 Nilke Earthquakes and Seismotectonics of the Borohoro Shan, Western China

Journal article

The 1906 Manas Earthquake is the largest earthquake recorded in the Borohoro Shan (BRS) since 1900. The reported magnitude ranges from 7.2 to 8.3, but uncertainties remain regarding its size, mechanism, and responsible fault. Similar confusion exists for the 1812 Nilke and 1944 Xinyuan Earthquakes, the only other Mw > 7 earthquakes in the NE Tien Shan in China. To address this, we compiled and analyzed prior published data and conducted remote sensing mapping for these historical events. Through re‐analysis of the 1906 Manas and 1944 Xinyuan Earthquakes using archival seismogram and global seismic records, we relocated the hypocenter of the 1906 event and determined the magnitude to be Mw 7.7 ± 0.2. Based on the revised results and seismic profiles, we infer the earthquake likely originated from a steeply south‐dipping reverse fault beneath the BRS, with northward propagation to the surface along a shallow decollement. Our analysis of the 1944 earthquake suggests it comprised a Mw 6.5 ± 0.3 foreshock and a Mw 7.2 ± 0.2 main shock after 9 min, both exhibiting dominant strike‐slip motion. The 1812 earthquake, recorded in the official historical archives mentioning severe shaking and damages, is likely to have an overestimated magnitude and to result from both reverse and right‐lateral slip along the Kashihe Fault. These earthquakes emphasize the significance of seismic‐induced landslides and the presence of right‐lateral and reverse faulting in the seismotectonics of the BRS region.

Authors: Tsai, C; Kulikova, G; Krüger, F; Walker, RT

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Wiley
• Journal: Tectonics
• Volume: 45
• Issue: 6
• Article number: e2025TC009286
• Publication date: 2026-06-16
• Acceptance date: 2026-05-23
• DOI: 10.1029/2025tc009286
• EISSN: 1944-9194
• ISSN: 0278-7407
• Language: English
• Keywords: surface ruptures; historical seismograms; borohoro Shan