[3] The topography of this region is influenced by broad crustal deformation as a result of convergence along the Main Himalayan Thrust.

This deformation and accretion led to the formation of the Tien Shan mountains, which are moving 7±2 mm/yr towards the south along faults running along their base.

[3] A post-earthquake survey of the region using reports of the earthquake's damage and effects led to the conclusion that the epicenter was located in the Chilik River Valley.

[4] The length of surface ruptures associated with the earthquake is estimated at 200–300 km, with an average slip of 6.7–9.1 meters for an event consisting of thrust and strike-slip mechanisms.

Dextral surface ruptures were also identified on the Beshkaragai Fault for a length of 40 km, where a maximum slip of 4.5 meters was observed.

Given the earthquake only had a maximum intensity assigned X on the Rossi-Forel scale, and its broad coverage over a wide area, the hypocenter depth is estimated to be at least 40 km beneath the surface.

[6] Frank Krüger and others suggests the magnitude of the Chilik quake has been overestimated due to the lack of abundant surface ruptures for its claimed size.

He added that earthquakes in the Tien Shan region are confined to shallow depths therefore a deeper source of 40 km is debatable.

His team proposed a slightly lower magnitude of 8.0 Mw  by analyzing surface waves of a magnetogram at two locations in England.

[2] In the days before the mainshock, many survivors reported peculiar behaviors of animals, including dogs howling and cats being restless.

Shaking was so strong that many people and farm animals reportedly fell off their feet and were thrown off the ground by yards.

This seismic island is located on the eastern flanks of the Tarbagatai Mountains, or in the upper Irtysh River valley.

In these regions, the ground erupted tall fountains of water and sand, while in some areas, large fissures occurred.

In Shelek (Chilik), Malovodnoye, and Mikhailovsk, the earthquake collapsed walls and brought down roofs, killing 17 people.