Talas Fergana Fault

fault, Asia

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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The Talas-Fergana Fault is a significant geological feature in Central Asia, running along the northeastern slopes of the Fergana Range and its northwestern extension. This fault is characterized by large-scale horizontal movements and is associated with deep faults that have caused catastrophic earthquakes throughout history.1

The fault traverses nearly the entire Tien Shan mountain system. The Tien Shan itself is a vast mountain range stretching approximately 1,500 miles (2,500 km) across China and Kyrgyzstan, bordered by basins and other mountain systems. The Fergana Valley, a large depression within this region, is situated between the Tien Shan and the Gissar and Alay mountain systems, primarily in Uzbekistan. This valley is a densely populated agricultural area and a producer of cotton, fruit, and silk, with significant mineral resources.12

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Tien Shan
Geology of Tien Shan
…have occurred along the great Talas Fergana Fault, which traverses nearly the entire Tien Shan system along the northeastern slopes of the Fergana Kyrka Mountains and its northwestern extension. The deep faults are associated with catastrophic earthquakes that occurred at Verny (1887), at Kashgar (Kashi; 1902), in the northern Tien…
Read More
…have occurred along the great Talas Fergana Fault, which traverses nearly the entire Tien Shan system along the northeastern slopes of the Fergana Kyrka Mountains and its northwestern extension. The deep faults are associated with catastrophic earthquakes that occurred at Verny (1887), at Kashgar (Kashi; 1902), in the northern Tien…
Read More