The Khuvsgul Earthquake of January 12, 2021 (MW = 6.7, ML = 6.9) and Early Aftershocks

Abstract —The M W = 6.7, L 6.9 Khuvsgul (Khubsugul, Khövsgöl) earthquake occurred on January 12, 2021 in the Northern Mongolia close to border of Russia. The caused ground shaking which reached intensity IX at epicenter and was perceptible cities villages Eastern Western Siberia. region same-name fault intense aftershock process a segment between two fault’s bends. encompassed by aftershocks goes from lake northwest. Seismic activation has involved boundary ancient Tuva–Mongolian microcontinent hosting parallel Khuvsugul Darkhat rift depressions Busingol depression consisting three linearly elongated troughs. Until present, distinguished high seismicity, whereas regions were characterized moderate low respectively. is largest that over entire history. In less than months, level frequency–magnitude graph for exceeded annual earthquakes Altai–Sayan mountain region. density nonuniformly distributed along fault; structure distribution correlated unilateral block Earth’s crust east activated segment. seismic potential estimated max 7–7.5, this earthquake, as suggested geological data, not maximum possible event. Given after 1991 yet ceased, we have strong activations can significantly affect evolution its seismicity.