Study on Holocene Paleoearthquakes in Xizhang Trench on the Jiaocheng Fault Zone,Shanxi Province

Xizhang trench is located 10 km northwest of Taiyuan city, Shanxi Province, in front of a NNW-trending scarp of 4.6m height on the northern segment of the Jiaocheng fault zone. The dimensions of the trench are 108m in length, 8m in width, and 10m in depth. There are 18 horizons revealed in the trench. The upper strata are sandy loam; the upper strata of the downthrown block of the fault are gravels, the lower ones are an interbed of brown loam and sandy loam. The strata on the upthrown block of the fault are sandy loam containing gravel. The trench shows 3 fault planes, and the upper offset point on the fault plane is 1.5m below the ground surface, the newest dislocated stratum is （3.74±0.06） ka BP. The trench reveals a lot of deformation traces, such as fault planes, dislocated strata, colluvial wedges and formation tilting. The relationship between strata and faults in the trench shows that 3 paleoearthquake events have occurred at the Jiaocheng fault zone since the Early Holocene, they are about （3.74±0.06）- （3.06±0.26）ka BP, （8.35±0.09）ka- （3.74±0.06）ka BP, and（ 10.66±0.85） - （8.35±0.09）ka BP. The average interval among the events is 2.6 - 3.6ka. The minimum coseismic vertical displacements of the 3 events are 3.0m, 2.5m and 3.2m, respectively. The significance of Xizhang trench is that the Jiaocheng fault used to be active thousands of years ago, though there is no M ≥ 7.0 earthquake recorded in historical documents. Evidence of new Jiaocheng fault zone activity during the Holocene is important for the earthquake safety assessment of Taiynan city in the future.

Analysis of Digital Strong Motion Records of the M_S 8.0 Wenchuan Earthquake by the Network of Shaanxi Province

Records of the May 12, 2008 Ms8.0 Wenchuan, Sichuan, earthquake from 27 stations of Shaanxi Digital Strong Motion Network are processed and analyzed, including baseline adjustment of acceleration traces, filtering, and calculations of velocities, displacements and acceleration response spectra. The results show that direction energy radiation of the large earthquake and horizontal inhomogeneous medium along the wave traveling path might both have some effect on the scattering degree of the attenuation of PGAH, besides influence of local site conditions. For the same intensity, the ratios of PGA/PGV are commonly small, on average about 5, which indicates that long period components are rich in ground motion. Intensities for most sites of the stations are within V -VII. The larger one among PGAE-W and PGAN-S is quite close to their PGAH, which is less than 10 % in relative deviation. The dominated waves are surface waves. The thicker the soil overburden is, the stronger the surface wave will be and the longer the shaking will last. Local site conditions have strong effects on ground motion, especially those of thick sediment filled-in basins, as they can significantly amplify long-period components.

Regional stress field around the Taigu fault zone in Shanxi Province,China

A comprehensive study on regional stress field around the Taigu fault zone in Shanxi Province, China, was performed in this study. To get a better understanding of the present-day stress status in this area, 31 focal mecha- nisms of ML 〉3 earthquakes since 1965 were compiled, and the best stress tensor was then inverted based on the database. Additionally, magnetic fabrics along the Taigu fault zone were investigated to get an indication of the regional stress field in the past. Our results show that the present-day stress field around the Taigu fault zone is characterized by astable NW-SE extension with a strike- slip component, consistent with the geological surveys and recent GPS data. Results from magnetic fabrics indicate that the orientations of principal stress axes from magnetic fabrics of sedimentary rocks in Neogene coincide to the orientations of principal stress axes from focal mecha- nisms. The south segment of the Taigu fault displays more complicated magnetic fabrics and more activity of mod- erate earthquakes. It is connected with the Mianshan west fault and intersects with NW-SE striking Fenyang fault and the north fault of the Lingshi uplift at the south edge of Taiyuan basin. This may be the area needing more atten- tion in terms of seismic risk along the Taigu fault.

The GIS and analysis of earthquake damage distribution of the 1303 Hongtong M=8 earthquake

The geography information system of the 1303 Hongtong M=8 earthquake has been established. Using the spatial analysis function of GIS, the spatial distribution characteristics of damage and isoseismal of the earthquake are studied. By comparing with the standard earthquake intensity attenuation relationship, the abnormal damage dis-tribution of the earthquake is found, so the relationship of the abnormal distribution with tectonics, site condition and basin are analyzed. In this paper, the influence on the ground motion generated by earthquake source and the underground structures near source also are studied. The influence on seismic zonation, anti-earthquake design, earthquake prediction and earthquake emergency responding produced by the abnormal density distribution are discussed.

Investigation and analysis of leveling deformation anomaly at Daixian station in Shanxi

The leveling measurements at Daixian station appeared increasing trend since March 25, 2013, which is credible, showing normal fault activity. According to the environmental survey, it contains some interference factors： first, the wind is big when the leveling measures in the afternoon, which has certain influence on the measurement results, but the impact is random and should be near the base value and not appear a trend. Second, the point BM3 was maintained during Sep. to Oct. in 2012 and occurred cracks in 2013, showing that the poor stability around the point. In addition, the change of recorded program is only to change the way of data record and can not affect the observation results during the same period.

Shear-wave velocity structure of the crust and uppermost mantle in the Shanxi rift zone

The Shanxi rift zone is one of the largest and active Cenozoic grabens in the world, studying the velocity structure of the crust and upper mantle in this region may help us to understand the mechanisms of rift processes and the seismogenic environment of active seismicity in continental rifts. In this work, using the broadband seismic data of Shanxi, Hebei, Henan, Shaanxi provinces, and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from February 2009 to November 2011, we have picked out 350 high-quality phase velocity dispersion curves of fundamental mode Rayleigh waves at periods from 8 to 75 s, and Rayleigh wave phase velocity maps have been constructed from 8 to 75 s period with horizontal resolution ranging from 40 to 50 km by two-station surface-wave tomography. Then, using a genetic algorithm, a 3D shear-wave speed model of the crust and uppermost mantle have been derived from these maps with a spatial resolution of 0.4° × 0.4°. Four characteristics can be outlined from the results： （1） Except in the Datong volcanic zone, in the depth range of 11-30 km, the location of a transition zone between the highand low-velocity regions is in agreement with the seismicity pattern in the study region, and the earthquakes are mostly concentrated near this transition zone; （2） In the depth range of 31-40 km, shear-wave velocities are higher to the south of the Taiyuan Basin and lower to the north, which is similar to the distribution pattern of Moho depth variations in the Shanxi region; （3） The shear-wave velocity pattern of higher velocities to the south of 38×N and lower velocities to the north is found to be consistent with that from the upper crustal levels to depth of 70 km. At the deeper depths, the spatial scale of the low-velocity anomalies zone in the north is gradually shrinking with depth increasing, the low-velocity anomalies are gradually disappearing beneath the Datong volcanic zone at the depth of 151-200 km. We proposed that the root of the Datong volcano may reach to a depth around 150 km; （4） Along the N-S vertical profile at 112.8°E, the 38°N latitude is the boundary between high and low velocities, arguing the tectonic difference between the Shanxi rift zone and its flanks, in the rift zone the seismic velocity is dominated by low-velocity anomalies while in the flanks it is high.

Seismogenic structure of the 2016 Ms6.4 Menyuan earthquake and its effect on the Tianzhu seismic gap

On January 21, 2016, a strong earthquake with a magnitude of Ms6.4 occurred at Menyuan, Qinghai Province of China. In almost the same region, there was another strong earthquake happened in 1986, with similar magnitude and focal mechanism. Based on comprehensive analysis of regional active faults, focal mechanism solutions, precise locations of aftershocks, as well as GPS crustal deformation, we inferred that the Lenglongiing active fault dips NE rather than SW as suggested by previous studies. Considering the facts that the 2016 and i986 Ms6.4 Menyuan earthquakes are closely located with similar focal mechanisms, both of the quakes are on the north side of the Lenglongling Fault and adjacent to the fault, and the fault is dipping NE direction, we suggest that the fault should be the seismogenic structure of the two events. The Lenglongling Fault, as the western segment of the well-known Tianzhu seismic gap in the Qilian-Haiyuan active fault system, is in a relatively active state with frequent earthquakes in recent years, implying a high level of strain accumulation and a high potential of major event. It is also possible that the Lengiongiing Fault and its adjacent fault, the Jinqianghe Fault in the Tianzhu seismic gap, are rupturing simultaneously in the future.

Study on V_P/ V_S Variation Behavior in the Shanxi Region by the Wadati Single Station and Multi-earthquake Method

Based on arrival time data of seismic phases of ML≥2. 0 earthquakes measured at Shanxi Digital Seismic Network for the period from January 2001 to October 2014,V_P/ V_S in the Shanxi region is calculated using the Wadati single station and multi-earthquake method,and an investigation is conducted into the variation behavior of V_P/ V_S in the Shanxi region before and after the three earthquakes of MS≥4. 5 in 2010. Our study finds that abnormal V_P/ V_S appeared earlier at distant stations before all of the three earthquakes,which is at the time range from 6 months to 1 year before the earthquakes,and later at near stations,at the time range 10 days to 2 months before earthquakes. Therefore,it s possible to narrow down the scope of the location in earthquake prediction from the distant and near station data. The calculations of Dongshan seismic station indicate that the size of the residual of the origin time has impact on the detail of V_P/ V_S variation,thus,appropriate thresholds should firstly be set for the residuals of origin time at each seismic station in practical application,to ensure scientific and steady V_P/ V_S calculations.

Abnormal Earthquake Intensity Areas and Formation Mechanism of the Minxian-Zhangxian M_S6.6 Earthquake on July 22,2013,Gansu

On July 22, 2013, the Minxian-Zhangxian Ms6. 6 earthquake occurred on the east segment of Lintan-Dangchang fault. The analysis of digital elevation and remote sensing imaging shows that the east segment of Lintan-Dangchang fault is still active and the main thrust feature of the fault switches to left lateral slip. With the field research of intensity and damage, several abnormal areas of degree VIII spread in the isoseismal line of degree VII and some abnormal areas of degree VII spread in the isoseismal line of degree VI. These abnormal areas are distributed along the hanging wall of the fault in a width of 2km. The analysis based on the remote sensing and digital elevation model shows that the segment of the Lintan-Dangchang fault south of Minxian mainly slips in left literal. The fault movement made the soil soft in the fault zone. The earthquake motion propagated along the fault zone. Therefore the strong earthquake motion caused foundation failure in the soft soil along the fault zone and the abnormal intense areas of disaster formed.

Study on inelastic attenuation coefficient, site response and source parameters in Shanxi region

Based on 310 horizontal-component digital seismograms recorded at 14 seismic stations in Shanxi Digital Seis-mograph Network, the inelastic attenuation coefficient in Shanxi region is studied. By the methods of Atkinson and Moya, the site response of each station and several source parameters are obtained and the inversion results from both methods are compared and analyzed. The frequency-dependent inelastic attenuation coefficient Q is estimated as Q( f )=323.2 f 0.506. The site responses of 14 seismic stations do not show significant amplification, which is consistent with their basement on rock. We also found the dependence of corner frequency on seismic moment, seismic moment on stress drop, source radius on stress drop.

Gravity changes before and after the 2010 Ms7.1 Yushu earthquake

Absolute and relative gravity observations from 1998 -2010 from the China Crustal Movement Ob- servation Network, a major national scientific project, have been used to model the gravity field and its varia- tions associated with the April 14, 2010 Ms7.1 Yushu earthquake. The evolution of the regional gravity field and its relationship with seismicity before and after the Yushu earthquake are studied. The observed gravity changes are closely related to the active Ganzi-Yushu Fault, and gravity measurements can be used to observe the migration of material accompanying active faults and crustal tectonics. The dynamic variation of the gravity field reflects its evolution prior to and during the Yushu earthquake. The gravity measurements near its epicen- ter are as large as 80 × 10-s m/s2.and they show wave-like increases with time prior to the Yushu earth- quake.

Study on inelastic attenuation coefficient, site response and source parameters in Shanxi region

Based on 310 horizontal-component digital seismograms recorded at 14 seismic stations in Shanxi Digital Seis-mograph Network, the inelastic attenuation coefficient in Shanxi region is studied. By the methods of Atkinson and Moya, the site response of each station and several source parameters are obtained and the inversion results from both methods are compared and analyzed. The frequency-dependent inelastic attenuation coefficient Q is estimated as Q( f )=323.2 f 0.506. The site responses of 14 seismic stations do not show significant amplification, which is consistent with their basement on rock. We also found the dependence of corner frequency on seismic moment, seismic moment on stress drop, source radius on stress drop.

Simulation by Dislocation Model and Anomaly Property Determination of Huge Leveling Deformation at Linfen Seismic Station

In this study,under the assumption that the two huge leveling deformation anomalies at Linfen seismic station were caused by the Luoyunshan fault( Tumen-Yuli section)movement, we computed the vertical deformation field distribution based on the rectangular fault dislocation model and measured the ground deformation field of the study area using D-InS AR technology. The results are as follows:( 1) Theoretically,the ground vertical deformation field caused by fault movement could be within the elliptical deformation area with the long axis parallel to the fault strike. The largest deformation region is located in the center of the area in the hanging wall of the fault,and the deformation gradually decreases to zero toward the periphery; the impact range induced by the two deformations is respectively as follows: The long axes are about 18 km and26km,the short axes are about 12 km and 17 km and the obvious deformation amplitude is about 1- 3mm and 4- 14 mm.( 2) The measured deformation field by D-InS AR shows that there is no continuous deformation area consistent with the fault strike,and only the presence of land subsidence possibly caused by groundwater excessive exploitation,with the deformation amplitude about 10- 12 mm and 1- 5mm.( 3) The measured deformation field is not consistent with the theoretical result on deformation area and amplitude,which indicates that the fault movement is not the main cause of Linfen huge leveling deformation,but may rather be because of local deformation of the soil layers in the hanging wall of the fault.( 4) By combining the fault dislocation model simulation with the D-InS AR technology measurement,we can determine effectively the nature of the anomalyof the huge cross-fault leveling deformation,thus provide scientific basis for verification of significant leveling anomalies.

Analysis on responding ability of well-aquifer system to precursors

Recording number of precursors from fourteen observation wells in Shanxi, Hebei, Beijing and Jiangsu region is analyzed and percentage of recording number of precursors to total number of earthquakes during the statistic years is presented, The relationship between characteristic parameters of well-aquifer system and responding ability to precursors is analyzed by the expression of amplification factor of well-aquifer system induced by Cooper et al. The results indicate that responding ability of well-aquifer system to precursors is related to inherent period of well aquifer, that is to say, the greater the inherent period is, the stronger the ability of recording precursor is. Re sponding ability of well-aquifer system to precursors is also related to ratio of transrnissivity to square of radius of wells, and the greater the ratio is, the stronger the responding ability is.

Attenuation of S wave in the crust of Ordos massif

We presented attenuation characteristics of S waves in the crust of Ordos massif. Using 487 pieces of digital oscil- lograms of 19 seismic events recorded by 32 seismologic stations located on Ordos massif and its surroundings, we have calculated the parameter of three-segment geometric attenuation and give the relation of inelastic attenuation Q value with frequency in the crust of Ordos massif, site responses of 32 stations, and source parameters of 19 events by the genetic algorithm. The results indicate that Q value (at 1 Hz) of S-wave in the crust of Ordos massif is much larger than that in the geologically active tectonic region. The site responses of the 32 stations in the high-frequency section do not show clear amplification effect except one or two stations, while in the low-frequency section, there is difference among the stations. The logarithmic value of seismic moment and the magnitude ML of 19 seismic events has a very good linear relationship.

Intracontinental basins and strong earthquakes

The September 17, 1303 Hongtong M=8 earthquake occurred in Linfen basin of Shanxi down-faulted basin zone. It is the first recorded M=8 earthquake since the Chinese historical seismic records had started and is a great earth-quake occurring in the active intracontinental basin. We had held a Meeting of the 700th Anniversary of the 1303 Hongtong M=8 Earthquake in Shanxi and a Symposium on Intracontinental Basins and Strong Earthquakes in Taiyuan City of Shanxi Province on September 17~18, 2003. The articles presented on the symposium discussed the relationships between active intracontinental basins of different properties, developed in different regions, in-cluding tensional graben and semi-graben basins in tensile tectonic regions, compression-depression basins and foreland basins in compressive tectonic regions and pull-apart basins in strike-slip tectonic zones, and strong earth-quakes in China. In this article we make a brief summary of some problems. The articles published in this special issue are a part of the articles presented on the symposium.

Mechanism of deformation around northern Hejin,China,observed by InSAR

Interferometric synthetic aperture radar （InSAR） images reveal deformation around northern Hejin, Shanxi Province. The small baseline subset （SBAS） approach for InSAR-derived deformation indicates that the observed deformation pattern can be characterized by the sum of two phenomena： background subsidence from December 2003 to February 2009 with a cumulative displacement of approximately 5 cm and uplift from Febru- ary 2009 to November 2010 with a cumulative displacement of approximately 2.5 cm. Deformation modeling indicates that the local deformation was caused by the closing and opening of a sill beneath northern Hejin. The modeled sill which is approximately 5 km long, 2 km wide, is centered at 1.5 km depth. The deformation was caused by the withdrawal and influx of subsurface water.

An Experimental Study on the Observation Method of Hydrogen Concentration in Fault Gas

In order to explore the new technology and methods for seismic underground fluid observation,a test study on measurement of hydrogen concentration in fault gas is carried out at the piedmont fault zone of Zhongtiao Mountain. Through the experiment on observation positions,gas collection devices and sampling depths,the paper presents the observation method for fault gas hydrogen concentration by using an online automatic trace hydrogen analyzer. Comparative tests are conducted on the stability and optimum conditions of this type of instrument in the field environment, and the hydrogen concentrations at different measuring points of the same fault are observed. The results show that it is technically feasible to carry out continuous hydrogen concentration on a fault zone. The method proposed in this study could be a useful tool for setting the observation points,choosing a reasonable observation depth and scientific analysis of the observed data.

A Discussion on the Generality of Precursor Waves on Well Water Level Records

Taking five underground water level observation wells with high earthquake response capability and located in Shanxi,Hebei and Inner Mongolia as study objects,this paper studies and discusses the generality of precursor waves in well water levels before strong earthquakes. It is indicated that the precursor waves often happen before strong earthquakes,with the ratio of occurrence up to 65% ( 41 /63 ) ; the precursor waves have poor generality in different observation wells,which may be related to the different well-aquifer system of different observation wells and the different source parameters of earthquakes. Compared to the seismic water level fluctuations in a single well,the number of precursor wave times recorded in well water levels before strong earthquakes is slightly less than that of seismic water level fluctuations,with a ratio between 39. 7% and 50. 7%, respectively. The number of observation wells with precursor wave recordings before earthquakes accounts for up to 66. 7% of the total number of observation wells. The precursor wave in well water level records has a certain generality in terms of the number of times recorded and the spatial distribution,except for its manifestation characteristics.

Discussion on the Reproducibility of Precursor Waves in the Water Level Records of Jingle Well

Choosing the Jingle well in Shanxi as the research object, this paper discusses the reproducibility problem of well water level precursor waves. The results show that the start time and fluctuation cycle before similar earthquakes are highly reproducible,the ratio of which is up to 63. 1%. The fluctuation form and amplitude before some similar earthquakes are of certain similarity,but earthquakes with all precursor wave features being similar were not found in the research scope. The reason may be related to the origin and transmission route of the precursor wave as well as the properties of the seismic source area of similar earthquakes.