[2] This tectonic environment is influenced by the oblique collision of the Arabian and Eurasian Plates at an estimated rate of 22 mm (0.87 in) annually.

[3] Iran is situated on the Eurasian plate, where it hosts complex zones of faults, forming tectonic blocks within the country.

Crustal shortening and thickening occur at fold and thrust belts along the Zagros, Alborz, and Kopet Dag ranges.

[4] The 23 September earthquake struck north of the Daqq-e-Muhammadabad, a small basin, where there are several north–south striking dextral faults.

Dustabad-e Bala experienced total devastation by the two earthquakes as it was located southwest of the Ferdows Thrust and north of the Dustabad Fault.

Two hundred people died and another 100 were injured in Dustabad-e Bala; further devastation occurred to the southeast and there was also damage in Ferdows.

The maximum Modified Mercalli intensity exceeded VIII (Severe) in seven villages including Badamuk, Bostaq, Charmeh, Dustabad-e Bala, Estakhr, Gurab-e Jadid and Mārkuh.