1985 Wuqia earthquake

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1985 Wuqia earthquake
China Xinjiang Southern relief location map.svg
Bullseye1.png
UTC  time1985-08-23 12:42:01
ISC  event 518737
USGS-ANSS ComCat
Local date23 August 1985 (1985-08-23)
Local time20:42:01
Magnitude Ms 7.4
Depth6.8 km (4.2 mi)
Epicenter 39°24′47″N75°13′26″E / 39.413°N 75.224°E / 39.413; 75.224
Areas affected China
Max. intensity MMI VII (Very strong)
Casualties71 dead, 162 injured

The 1985 Wuqia earthquake occurred on August 23, 1985, at 20:42 local time (12:42 UTC) near the border of Wuqia County and Shufu County, Xinjiang, China. It had a magnitude of Ms 7.4 and caused 71 deaths, 162 injuries, and left 15,000 homeless, as well as destroying 85% of buildings and highways. [1] The source of this earthquake is the Kazkeaerte Fault (卡兹克阿尔特断裂). The earthquake could be felt throughout much of the Fergana Basin, USSR, as well as in Pakistan. [2] [1]

The slipping of the earth during this earthquake caused a deformation zone along the Kezilesu River valley stretching 15 kilometres (9+13 miles) long and 800 metres (12 mile) wide. The zone is made up of smaller faults, fissures, and pressure ridges. [3]

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References

  1. 1 2 Significant Earthquakes of the World, United States Geological Survey, archived from the original on 2012-10-14
  2. Wang, Xiaorong. "1985 Xinjiang Autonomous Region Wuqia Earthquake."National Earthquake Science. China Earthquakes Network Center, n.d. Web
  3. Feng, Xian-yue (2008). "Deformation Zone of the Wuqia Earthquake in 1985". Seismology and Geology.