On two velocity models, the HypoDD method is used to accurately locate the Tongliao M5.3 earthquake sequence, then the CAP method is used to invert the focal mechanism solutions. The parameters of the seismogenic fault plane are fitted quantitatively by the small earthquake distribution and the regional stress field. The geometry, rupture features and possible seismogenic structure of the Tongliao M5.3 earthquake are comprehensively determined. The HypoDD relocation results show that this earthquake is located at 42.95°N, 122.37°E, the whole sequence trends in NW and major aftershocks (M_L ≥ 3.0) strike in NEE direction. With the time elapsed, the aftershocks extended to the shallow crust gradually. Comparing the focal mechanism solutions and relocation results, we determine that the fitted causative fault based on NNW-trending aftershock distribution is reliable, which has the top left corner (43.00°N, 122.35°E, depth 3.3km), lower left corner (43.00°N, 122.35°E, depth 8.9km), upper right corner (42.92°N, 122.37°E, depth 3.3km), lower right corner (42.92°N, 122.37°E, depth 8.9km), extending range 3km×7km, trending in 349° (NNW), dip angle 86° (nearly vertical), and slip angle 15°. It is inferred that whole process of main shock rupture is from the source to the NW and SE sides as a shear. The rupture degree is larger in southeast where the late rupture concentrated, and did not reach the surface.

Using the 7 100 absolute first arrivals of P waves and 91 513 relative P arrival times of 726 events at the northeastern margin of the Ordos block since 2009, the 3D fine structure of P wave velocity within the depth of 15km in the crust was inverted by the double difference seismic tomography method. The results show that there exist obvious high-speed continuous bodies in the northwest of the study area, and their lateral areas increase gradually with depth, while the velocity of east and south is relatively low. The velocity inhomogeneity exists and differs at different depths. The lateral differences of velocity are related to seismicity and faults. The 5~15km depth profile shows that earthquakes tend to occur in the area with relatively high velocity or high speed transition zones, which to some extent reflects the fragility of regional crustal media and the strong differential movement of faults in vertical and horizontal directions where the crust body is easy to absorb and store strain energy and generate major earthquakes. A "Y"-shape low-velocity channel is present in the lower crust around Liangcheng, corresponding to the NW-trending Heilaoyao-Shahukou fault set, which may reveal the migration path of the Late Tertiary-Quaternary basalt eruption. The Helingeer M6.2 earthquake in 1976 was related to the formation of the locking section of the thermal welding in this area. The three-dimensional fine structure of P wave velocity presented in this paper provides intuitive seismological evidence for physical and chemical properties of crustal media and the deep tectonic environment of earthquake preparation.