Seismotectonics of the Dniepr-Donets rift and the southwestern slope of the Voronezh crystaline massif

Abstract

The short review of geological characteristics and structural features of the Moho discontinuity of the considered tectonical elements is given. We have proposed a new version of the Moho’s surface structure corresponding to Hercynian phase of tectonic movements activization in zones of rifting of the ancient craton. The data on the historical and registered instrumentally earthquakes are provided. It has been established that a significant portion of earthquakes tends to north-eastern part of the Dniepr-Donets Rift and southern slope of the Voronezh Crystaline Massif and linked to regional faults of the paleorift. By results of the analysis two seismogenic zones allowing to define location of the expected earthquakes are delineated.