Seismogenic Active Fault Zone between 2005 Kashmir and 1905 Kangra Earthquake Meizoseismal Regions and Earthquake Hazard in Eastern Kashmir Seismic Gap

The 2005 Kashmir earthquake of magnitude Mw 7.6 produced 75 km surface rupture showing 3-7 m vertical offset. The surface rupture nearly coinciding with the bedrock geology-defined Balakot-Bagh Fault (BBF) indicates reactivation of the fault. The BBF extends SE with right-step to the Reasi Thrust in Jammu region. Further SE extension of the Reasi Thrust has been mapped with different nomenclature to the 1905 Kangra earthquake meizoseismal region, suggesting linkage between the earthquake and the active fault. There is no historical record of a large magnitude Mw>7 event for the last ~1000 years in the eastern segment of the Kashmir seismic gap, may imply ~12 m slip deficit in the region.