On tectonic character of the connection zones of the Earth’s crust in the South Caspian Basin and Scythian–Turan plate based on seismological data

Abstract

The features of the spatial distribution of earthquake sources in the South Caspian Basin (SCB) are considered in relation to the regional deep structure. The results of analysis showed that the SCB and Scythian–Turan plate are divided by deep faults of small length with a west–northwest trending. These faults are included in the Apsheron–Balkhan threshold zone. The opinion of some researchers about subduction of the SCB crust under the epi-Hercynian platform of the northern Caspian Sea has not been confirmed.