Quake’s Mainshock in Lhasa Terrane

• Preliminary assessments suggest the quake’s mainshock may have originated in the Lhasa terrane, a specific fragment of the crust.

• The Lhasa terrane includes sites involved in China’s construction of the world’s largest hydroelectric-power dam.

• The project, approved by the Chinese government, will straddle the Yarlung Tsangpo River and generate around 300 billion kWh per year.

• The Indian plate is pushing in at around 60 mm/year, causing tension between the two plates.

• The quake’s location is significant as it is a ‘gateway’ to Mt Everest and the surrounding terrain, a popular tourist destination.

• The quake’s cause is related to the significance of its location.

• The Himalayan mountains were created around 50 million years ago when the Indian plate collided with the Eurasian plate.

• Geologists have recorded over 21 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher in the Lhasa terrane alone since 1950.

• Understanding the next quake’s location and potential strength requires detailed understanding of the ancient plate collision, estimation of tension accumulation, and past events.