The transition between continental and oceanic crusts is reflected in the variation of the depth of the Moho interface.

[2] A paper of Fujian Seismological Bureau showed that the earthquake was caused by left-lateral strike slip of a normal fault.

From the slip amplitude and the source duration, it was suggested that this earthquake began as a breaking of a strong asperity with low dynamic friction, had high stress drop, and was stopped by large friction around the asperity.

[8][9] This earthquake was felt strongly in Guangdong and Fujian, with building damage and collapse reported.

[2] Cities as north as Hefei and as west as Nanning were included in the felt range.