Abstract: On December 18, 2023, an M_S6.2 Jishishan earthquake occurred in Gansu Province, China. The direction of absolute plate motion and lithospheric azimuthal anisotropy were consistent in the source area and around. The deformation features by the regional shallow surface deformation and the upper crustal anisotropy display distinct spatial perturbations. The local inhomogeneous deformation of the upper crust and the difference in physical properties are the deep seismogenic tectonic setting of the Jishishan earthquake. The earthquake occurred at the Jishishan east margin fault, which is approximately 30~40 km long. There are no deep seismogenic tectonic conditions along this fault that could trigger earthquakes of comparable or larger magnitudes in the near future.

Key words: The 2023 Jishishan M_S6.2 earthquake, Jishishan east margin fault, Seismic anisotropy, Spatial deformation perturbations