Tectonic position and geological manifestations of the 2006 olyutor earthquake in Koryakia

The results of seismotectonic study of the epicentral zone of the major earthquake in northern Kamchatka oblast are presented. Primary and secondary surface seismic dislocations were revealed. The exposed seismic source as a complex system of seismic faults up to 140 km in total length was found and mapped in detail. The system consists of three en echelon arranged NE-oriented segments about 16, 45, and 75 km long. The general strike of the fault system coincides with the orientation of the ridges in the Koryak Highland. The kinematics of the longest northeastern segment is reverse faulting of the southeastern wall combined with right-lateral strike-slip faulting. The maximum vertical and horizontal separations are 3 and 1.5 m, respectively. Vibration fractures, griffons, landslides, and rockfalls were revealed and documented as secondary seismic dislocations. The indications of paleoseismic dislocations were studied and documented as well. The age of paleoseismic events was determined with radiocarbon method from soil samples. The seismic source is confined to the boundary of the North American and Bering Sea lithospheric plates and exhibits its internal structure for a long distance. Seismic events testify to recent geological activity of the zone of interaction between the lithospheric plates. The collected data provide insights into the structure of the seismic source and its tectonic setting at the active continental margin of Asia.