Strong Mediaeval Earthquake in the Chuy Basin, Kyrgyzstan

摘要

The data presented in this paper show that in historical time the Chuy Basin in Kyrgyzstan was repeatedly subjected to strong earthquakes, which affected the inhabitants and the economic and political situation at that time. The deformed buildings in the Novopokrovka site of ancient settlements situated in the central part of the basin unequivocally indicate seismic damage and subsequent abandonment of the settlement. The earthquake happened at the end of the Karakhanid epoch (the end of the 12th century A.D.). The intensity of seismic oscillations (I = VIII-IX) at the site was reinforced by unfavorable engineering geology conditions. The source of the earthquake was probably related to displacements along the piedmont Ysyk-Ata Fault located to the south of the site.