Shanxi downed-faulted basin mainly consists of Datong basin, Taiyuan basin, Linfen basin and Yuncheng basin, having thick quaternary stratum. Affected by geological structure, topography, stratum conditions and other factors, ground fissure disasters are well developed. Using the development and evolution of tectonic-type ground fissures in the faulted basin as research objects, from the two aspects of horst-graben structure and basal activity of fault belt, this study explored the causes of quaternary ground fissures in Shanxi down-faulted basin. Studying the distribution characteristics, formation mechanism and the disaster-causing effects has the theoretical significance of a better summary and understanding on ground fissures and other geological disasters, as well as providing theoretical basis for prediction and prevention means of the disasters.