Abstract: Based on the statistical results of the relations between strong earthquake surrounding Xinjiang and moderate-strong earthquake within Xinjiang from 1950 , this paper calculates Coulomb failure stress changes of three groups of strong earthquakes surrounding Xinjiang during the active phase outside Xinjiang and the quiet phase inside Xinjiang from 1976 to 2007. Combining Xinjiang moderate-strong earthquake activity 3 years after these strong earthquakes, we analyze and discuss the influence of strong earthquakes surrounding Xinjiang on seismic activities within Xinjiang. The results show that the three groups of strong earthquake activities surrounding Xinjiang mitigate to a certain extent the seismic hazard in Xinjiang.

Key words: Coulomb failure stress change, Moderate-strong earthquake activity, Earthquake relief