Subvertical clusters of earthquake hypocenters unrelated to the tectonic structure of the Earth’s crust

The existence of a subvertical pillar-like cluster of earthquake hypocenters is established in the central part of the Garm geodynamic test area (Tajikistan). Seismotectonic deformation of the subvertical uniaxial extension prevails in the lower part of the cluster. This cluster is characterized by the absence of any relation to elements of the tectonic structure of the region. It is supposed that this element of the seismogenic structure of the region represents a channel of supply of deep fluids. Clusters of aftershock sources, close in morphology and position, are known in connection with the Altai, Neftegorsk, and Kultuk earthquakes. The subvertical but flattened-out in plan accumulations of aftershocks, unrelated to any elements of the tectonic structure of the Greater Caucasus, correspond to the Dagestan earthquake. Some other accumulations of earthquake hypocenters, so-called nests, such as the Vrancea and Hindu Kush ones, can be probably regarded as formations of a similar type.