The rate of vertical differential movement of the great Weihe fault (west segment) in different periods is analyzed by using the data of the historic evolution of the Zhouyuan plateau surface. Results show that the rate reached a maximum in the Ming Dynasty, about 6.4 mm/a, which corresponded well to the period of strong earthquake on the Wei River fault in the 15–16th centuries. Based on such a correspondence, the time separation between active periods ofM s=8.0 strong earthquakes in the Wei River fault depression is investigated.