Using Resistivity Structure to Study the Seismogenic Mechanism of the 2021 Luxian Ms6.0 Earthquakes

Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable change in the occurrence of seismic disasters in Sichuan, China. The focus has shifted from Western Sichuan to the previously more stable Southeastern Sichuan. The recent Ms6.0 earthquake in Luxian, Southeastern Sichuan, on 16 September 2021, has once again captured the interest of scholars, who are closely examining the seismogenic environment and potential seismic hazards in the region. We conducted a magnetotelluric (MT) array survey in the Luxian earthquake area to explore the deep seismogenic environment of the 2021 Luxian Ms6.0 earthquake zone and understand the potential effects of industrial extraction on seismic activities. Here are the insights we obtained: Underneath the anticline in the Luxian Ms6.0 earthquake area, there is a structure that mainly exhibits high resistance. On the other hand, beneath the syncline, a structure with medium to low resistance is observed. The epicenter of the mainshock was identified near the intersection of high- and low-resistance media within the Fuji syncline area. Smaller aftershocks that followed the mainshock were mainly concentrated in the low-resistance layers at depths of 3–5 km in the Fuji syncline area. MT survey results have confirmed the existence of a detachment zone in the shallow crust near the epicenter of the Luxian Ms6.0 earthquake. It is believed that this detachment layer played a significant role in the seismogenic process of the Luxian Ms6.0 earthquake. During different stress conditions, this layer became active and caused the compression and faulting of a hidden fault below, resulting in the Luxian Ms6.0 earthquake. After the main earthquake, a series of smaller aftershocks with varying focal mechanisms occurred as the stress fields continued to release. It is important to note that the Luxian Ms6.0 earthquake highlights the ongoing high stress levels in the southern region of the Sichuan Basin. This emphasizes the need for continued monitoring and consideration of potential seismic hazards in the southern Sichuan area.