Tectono‐Geomorphic Features Related to the 1606 Jianshui Earthquake in the Southernmost Segment of the Xiaojiang Fault System, SE Tibet

Abstract The activity and seismicity of the southern segment of the Xianshuihe‐Xiaojiang fault system (XXFS) are both crucial for differentiating kinematic models along the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Based on tectono‐geomorphic interpretations of optical imagery, digital elevation model (DEM)‐derived hillshades, contour maps, and field observations of geomorphic features, we document a surface rupture zone with a maximum length of ∼75 km and a maximum offset of ∼6.8 m along the Jianshui fault (JSF) in the southern segment of the XXFS. By correlating geologic, chronological, and historical data, we suggest that an Mw 7.1–7.9 earthquake occurred on 30 November 1606, along the JSF that was previously considered as a minimal active fault, and the magnitude of this earthquake was cited as M6 3/4 . A large surface offset and relatively short rupture length are likely related to the immaturity of the JSF, and this also implies southeastward growth of the SE Tibetan Plateau during the late Quaternary.