Earthquake Activity Features Before Earthquakes with Ms ≥ 7.0 in the Central-Northern QinghaiXizang (Tibet) Block

We have studied the seismicity features of M_S≥5.0 earthquakes two years before strong earthquakes with M_S≥7.0 occurred in the central-northern Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) block since 1920. The results have showed that there is an obvious gap or quiescence of M_S5.0～6.9 earthquakes near epicenters. We have also studied statistical seismicity parameters of M_S5.0～6.9 earthquakes in the same region since 1950. The results have showed that earthquakes with M_S≥7.0 occurred when earthquake frequency is relatively high and earthquake time, space accumulation degrees are rising. And the prediction effect R value scores are between 0.4～0.7. We have concluded that, before earthquakes with M_S≥7.0 in the central-northern Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) block, M_S5.0～6.0 earthquake activity in the whole area increased and accumulated in time and space, but earthquakes with M_S≥7.0 occurred where M_S5.0～6.0 earthquake activity was relatively quiet.     

Earthquake Activity Features Before Earthquakes with Ms ≥ 7.0 in the Central-Northern QinghaiXizang（Tibet） Block

INTRODUCTION Theseismicquiescencebeforelargeearthquakesisoneoftheprecursorsthatattractstheattention ofseismologistsworldwide.Mogi(1969)investigatedthisphenomenonfirst.Ohtake(1981),Wyss(1988)andSongJungao,etal.(1994)proceededwithstudiesinthisarea.Inthispap…     

Application of the Load/Unload Response Ratio Theory to Predictions of Moderate Earthquakes (7.0>M≥6.0)

The variation in load/unload response ratio before some moderate earthquakes is analyzed based on the theory of the load/unload response ratio.The results show that the load-unload response ratio increases noticeably before moderate earthquakes,and there are three kinds of patterns in which the load/unload response ratio varies and the duration of noticeable increase in load/unload response ratio ranges from half a year to two years.     

Characteristics of Strain Release before Large Earthquakes of M≥7. 0 in the Chinese Mainland

The enumerating algorithm has been introduced into the fitting procedure of the ASR model. Based on the detailed study of 21 large earthquakes with M≥6. 8 in the Chinese Mainland,the statistical features of seismic strain release before large earthquakes have been summarized. In the mass,the strain release models can be divided into five types. The first is the DA model,in which the strain release accelerates in broader areas and decelerates in small areas around the epicenter. Approximately 38% of earthquake samples are of this type. The second is the AD model,in which the strain release decelerates in broader areas and accelerates in smaller areas around the epicenter with an occupying ratioof approximately 19%. The third is ASR,in which only accelerating strain release can be observed. Cases of this model amount to about 14%. The fourth is DSR,in which only decelerating strain release can be checked,amounting to about 24%. There is only one earthquake sample of the fifth type (LSR),which shows a linear strain release. There is a 3～6 years difference in the duration of pre-shock sequences between the accelerating and decelerating models. This means that seismic quiescence against a background of increased seismicity of small earthquakes before large earthquakes are a typical feature in general. For the DA model,the average size of critical regions for steady accelerating and decelerating strain release is about 260km to 400km and 100km to 200km,respectively,3 to 5 times and 1 to 2 times the rupture size of an earthquake of magnitude 7. 0. The AD model is the opposite of the DA model. The model parameter,m value,has good stability. The ratio of ASR is about the same for accelerating seismic strain release phenomena,no matter what the strain release models are,or how large the strain release quantity is. With regard to decelerating seismic strain release phenomena, the DA model has the most distinctive decelerating strain release characteristic and is the typical feature of seismic strain release,i. e. "decelerating in-accelerating out seismic strain model".     

Essential Features of Tectonic Movement Revealed by Crustal Vertical Deformations in the Mainland of China

Based on the precise reieveling data of more than 260,000 km carried out from 1950 to 1991 in the Chinese mainland,recent crustal vertical movement is studied.By means of some quantitative indices,such as the pattern of crustal vertical movement,the intensity of differential movement,the maximum gradient and its distribution,etc.,the properties of movements are analyzed on a large scale.The results suggest that all the properties have a profound tectonic background of their own and are closely related to the zoning and seismic activity of active subplates.The driving force for the movement comes mainly from the northward push of the India plate acting on the Eurasia plate.The effects of motions of the Pacific and Philippine Sea plates in the east are much less significant.     

The Relationship Between Strong Earthquake Activity of Ms≥ 7.0 on the Chinese Mainland and the West Kunlun-A＇nye^maqe^n Secondary Arcuate Tectonic Zone

The active and quiet phenomenon of moderate strong earthquakes one year before the earthquakes with Ms ≥ 7.0, the spatial distribution characteristics of the solid tide modulating and triggering earthquakes and the strong earthquake mechanisms on the Chinese continent have been studied. The secondary arcuate tectonic zone composed of the west Kunlun-A‘nye^maqe^n faults is believed to be a very important boundary to characterize strong earthquake activity of Ms ≥ 7.0 on the Chinese continent, that is, a boundary between the seismically active region and the quiet region of moderately strong earthquakes one year before earthquakes with Ms ≥ 7.0, and a boundary of the spatial distributions between the solid tidemodulating strong earthquakes ( Ms ≥ 7.0) and the non-modulating ones. It might be related with the characteristics of spatial distribution of focal mechanism solutions of strong earthquakes on the Chinese Continent.     

Study on the Relationship Between Recent Crustal Deformation and the Temporal-Spatial Distribution of Strong Earthquakes ( Ms ≥6.0) in the Sichuan-Yunnan Region

Analysis of deformation data measured across the faults, regional vertical deformation data and GPS measurements in the Sichuan-Yunnan region made since the 1980s permitted us to conclude that the crustal deformation in the region during this period of time was relatively weak and caused the occurrence of earthquakes (Ms≥6.0), which were not distributed along the major boundary active faults in the region after the 1981 I)awu Ms 6.9 earthquake and that the seismic activity is characterized by quasi-clockwise migration. Thus, it follows that earthquake prediction research should be focused on the central part of the Sichuan-Yunnan region in the coming years. Finally, a concept of temporal division of the region into active blocks is suggested and the preliminary result of the division is given in the paper.     

The Relationship Between Strong Earthquake Activity of Ms ≥ 7.0 on the Chinese Mainland and the West Kunlun- A''nyêmaqên Secondary Arcuate Tectonic Zone

The active and quiet phenomenon of moderate strong earthquakes one year before the earthquakes with M S≥7.0, the spatial distribution characteristics of the solid tide modulating and triggering earthquakes and the strong earthquake mechanisms on the Chinese continent have been studied. The secondary arcuate tectonic zone composed of the west Kunlun-Anyêmaqên faults is believed to be a very important boundary to characterize strong earthquake activity of M S≥7.0 on the Chinese continent, that is, a boundary between the seismically active region and the quiet region of moderately strong earthquakes one year before earthquakes with M S≥7.0, and a boundary of the spatial distributions between the solid tide modulating strong earthquakes (M S≥7.0) and the non-modulating ones. It might be related with the characteristics of spatial distribution of focal mechanism solutions of strong earthquakes on the Chinese Continent.     

Relocation of the Ms≥2.0 Earthquakes in the Northern Tianshan Region, Xinjiang, Using the Double-Difference Earthquake Relocation Algorithm

We applied the double-difference earthquake relocation algorithm to 1348 earthquakes with M_S≥2.0 that occurred in the northern Tianshan region, Xinjiang, from April 1988 to June 2003, using a total of 28701 P- and S-wave arrival times recorded by 32 seismic stations in Xinjiang. Aiming to obtain most of these M_S≥2.0 earthquakes relocations, and considering the requirements of the DD method and the condition of data, we added the travel time data of another 437 earthquakes with 1.5≤M_S<2.0. Finally, we obtained the relocation results for 1253 earthquakes with M_S≥2.0, which account for 93% of all the 1348 earthquakes with M_S≥2.0 and includes all the M_S≥3.0 earthquakes. The reason for not relocating the 95 earthquakes with 2.0≤M_S<3.0 is analyzed in the paper. After relocation, the RMS residual decreased from 0.83s to 0.14s, the average error is 0.993 km in E-W direction, 1.10 km in N-S direction, and 1.33 km in vertical direction. The hypocenter depths are more convergent than before and distributed from 5 km to 35 km, with 94% being from 5km to 35 km, 68.2% from 10 km to 25 km. The average hypocenter depth is 19 km.     

Relocation of the Ms≥2.0 Earthquakes in the Northern Tianshan Region, Xinjiang, Using the Double-Difference Earthquake Relocation Algorithm

We applied the double-difference earthquake relocation algorithm to 1348 earthquakes with M_S≥2.0 that occurred in the northern Tianshan region, Xinjiang, from April 1988 to June 2003, using a total of 28701 P- and S-wave arrival times recorded by 32 seismic stations in Xinjiang. Aiming to obtain most of these M_S≥2.0 earthquakes relocations, and considering the requirements of the DD method and the condition of data, we added the travel time data of another 437 earthquakes with 1.5≤M_S<2.0. Finally, we obtained the relocation results for 1253 earthquakes with M_S≥2.0, which account for 93% of all the 1348 earthquakes with M_S≥2.0 and includes all the M_S≥3.0 earthquakes. The reason for not relocating the 95 earthquakes with 2.0≤M_S<3.0 is analyzed in the paper. After relocation, the RMS residual decreased from 0.83s to 0.14s, the average error is 0.993 km in E-W direction, 1.10 km in N-S direction, and 1.33 km in vertical direction. The hypocenter depths are more convergent than before and distributed from 5 km to 35 km, with 94% being from 5km to 35 km, 68.2% from 10 km to 25 km. The average hypocenter depth is 19 km.     

Research on the Algorithm CN Applied to Prediction of 23 Strong Earthquakes in China

This paper researches TIP before 23 strong earthquakes occurring in the eastern part and the southern and northern zones of the western part of China and their nearby areas in recent decades.The results show that 18 strong earthquakes occurred within the diagnosed TIP.The TIP precaution occupies about 30% of the total space-time domain which we researched,indicating quite good results of intermediate-term prediction of earthquakes.The algorithm CN can thus be used as an intermediate-term prediction method for strong earthquakes.     

Research on Earthquakes in Cities of China

In this paper, we briefly describe the general destruction caused by historic earthquakes in major cities of China, preliminarily analyze the heaviness and widespread occurrence of earthquakes in cities of China, and suggest that research on scenario earthquakes in cities should be developed as a part urban disaster reduction research.     

Features of Seismicity in the Northeastern China Region and Their Relation to the Subduction of the Japan Sea Plate

INTRODUCTIONThewestPacificplatedivestowardsthewest,formingthesubductionzoneintheJapanSea ,hencecalledtheJapanSeasubductionzone .ItsfrontendgoesdeepintoWangqingandMulinginNortheastChina .Thefocusdepthisabout 540～ 590km .Withthedipangleofabout 2 9°andthwidthof 12 87km ,theJapanseasubductionzoneistheonewiththesmallestdipangleandthelargestwidthintheworld .ThedeepearthquakestherecorrespondtotheoccurrenceofshallowonesandhaveeffectstoacertainextentontheshallowstrongearthquakeinnortheastAs…     

Depth Distribution of Aftershocks in the China Mainland and Its Rheological Mechanism

The relationship between aftershock depths and surface heat flow in the source areas of five great earthquakes(M≥7.0)in the China mainland has been studied in this paper.The result shows that the higher the surface heat flow,the shallower is the aftershock depth,and that the distribution of aftershock depths is controlled by the rheological mechanism of brittle-ductile transition of rocks in the crust.     

The depth of Moho in the mainland of China

ＴｈｅｄｅｐｔｈｏｆＭｏｈｏｉｎｔｈｅｍａｉｎｌａｎｄｏｆＣｈｉｎａＲｏｎｇ－ＳｈｅｎｇＺＥＮＧ；（曾融生）Ｗｅｉ－ＧｕｏＳＵＮ；（孙为国）Ｔｏｎｇ－ＥｎＭＡＯ（毛桐恩）ＺｈｏｎｇＹａｎｇＬＩＮ；（林中洋）Ｈｏｎｇ－ＸｉａｎｇＨＵ；（胡鸿翔）ａｎｄＧ...     

Features of the M7.9 Earthquake in the Russia- Mongolia- China Boundary Region

At 19:33 p. m on September 27, 2003, an earthquake with M7.9 occurred in the RussiaMongolia-China boundary Region. It was strongly felt in the Altay region of Xinjiang. The losses caused by the earthquake was 76 million yuan (RMB). Some information about the earthquake was outlined, including basic parameters, focal mechanism, evaluation of earthquake disaster losses and so on. The satellite remote sensing information worked initial analysis for deformation of ground and failure phenomenon.     

The Relationship Between Strong Earthquake Activity of M_S≥7.0 on the Chinese Mainland and the West Kunlun-A'nyêmaqên Secondary Arcuate Tectonic Zone

1 THESPATIALDISTRIBUTIONCHARACTERISTICSOFMODERATE STRONGEARTHQUAKESBEFORESTRONGEARTHQUAKESWITHMS≥ 7 0　　From 1 90 0to 2 0 0 2 ,6 5largeearthquakeswithMS≥ 7 0tookplaceontheChineseContinent,ofwhich 1 0weretwin quakesorstrongaftershocks.55earthquakecaseshavebeenstudiedinthispaper.ThecharacteristicsofmoderatelystrongearthquakeactivitybeforestrongearthquakeswithMS≥ 7 0wereanalyzed ,andthenotablecharacteristicswerefoundtobetheactiveandquietphenomenaayeefore…     

Discussion of Some Problems in the Research into the Seismotectonics of Strong Earthquakes on the North China Plain

The tectonic characteristics and research problems of five earthquakes with M≥7.0 on the North China Plain over the last 300 years are addressed in the paper, including the cognition that there were no ground fractures in the 1966 Xingtai earthquake, the question caused by the thrust activity of the seismic fault of the Tangshan Earthquake and the discussion of the seismotectonic environment of the 1830 Cixian earthquake and the 1937 Heze earthquake. The author thinks that the main reason for the problems in research of strong earthquake tectonics in the region is that the status of activity of the main tectonics during the Late Quaternary are unknown. This affects the founding of discrimination criteria for seismotectonics of strong earthquakes on the North China Plain. Discriminating the Holocene active faults from the large number of faults is the most effective method for seismic hazard assessment in the area in future.