Altyn Tagh Fault
strike-slip — 2,500 km
The Altyn Tagh Fault is one of the longest strike-slip faults on Earth, extending across the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. It accommodates much of the northward motion of the Indian Plate and plays a critical role in the lateral extrusion of Tibet. Despite its remoteness, it poses M8+ earthquake risk.
Type
strike slip
Length
2,500 km
Countries
1
Cities at Risk
0
Risk Assessment
M7.5+ possible on locked western segments
Last Major Earthquake
M6.9 — Yutian, Xinjiang (2014-02-12)
Affected Countries
Data: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program