Previously regarded as an aftershock, this earthquake likely represented rupture of a separate fault due to changes in tectonic stress following their first event.

The western Eurasian–Africa plate boundary is dominated by the Gloria Fault System which lies between the Azores triple junction and Gibraltar Arc.

The plate boundary around the Gibraltar Arc and Alboran Sea area is less defined and characterized by a broad zone of seismicity.

[2] During a field survey of the area in 2017, surface ruptures were identified along the 150 km (93 mi)-long Southern Rif front; a thrust fault with some left-lateral strike-slip component.

[5] Significant damage occurred at the Roman archeological site Volubilis, and several kilometers to its south, a major landslide affected Moulay Idriss Zerhoun.