The earthquakes in Muong Ang (M=3.9) on 08/01/2018 and Dien Bien Dong (M=4.3) on 09/01/2018

Abstract

In this paper, the authors present several new results of the earthquake and seismotectonic investigation in the source areas of Muong Ang and Dien Bien Dong in January 2018 earthquakes. On the basis of the obtained results, several conclusions could be made as follows: - The Muong Ang earthquake occurred on January 08, 2018 at 03:14:19 AM (local time), the location of the epicenter: Lat. 21.44529N and Long. 103.2777E, M=3.9, and focal depth of 6 km. - The Dien Bien Dong earthquake occurred on January 09, 2018 at 06:21:21 AM (local time), the location of the epicenter: Lat. 21.35497N and Long. 103.23917E, M=4.3, and focal depth of 10 km. - These earthquakes occurred in the Muong Ang fault zone, the parameters of which were revealed as follows: the depth of penetration of 25 km, dip angle of E70-80⁰ , normal, and left lateral slip. - The maximum magnitudes of earthquakes which may occur in the studied areas can be predicted as follows: M_max is nearly 7.0 in the area of the south and southwestern of Dien Bien Dong district; the other areas of Dien Bien Dong district and all the territory of Muong Ang district have the M_max less than 6.3.