Current tectonic deformation and seismogenic characteristics along the northeast margin of Qinghai -Xizang block

Based on the data from repeated precise leveling and across-fault deformation measurements carried out in recent 30 years and the analyzed results from GPS observations made in recent years along the northeastern margin of Qinghai-Xizang block, and combined with the geological structures and seismic activities, some characteristics in regional tectonic deformation and strong earthquake development are studied and approached preliminarily. The results show that: a) The space-time distribution of current tectonic deformation in this area is inhomogeneous with relatively intensive tectonic deformation in the vicinity of main boundary faults and weak deformation in the farther areas. The intensity of vertical differential movement and the deformation status vary with time, and the horizontal movement and deformation are characterized by apparent compression and strike-slip. b) The tectonic stress field generated by the NE-trending continuous compressive movement of Qinghai-Xizang block due to the northward press and collision of India plate is the principal stress for the tectonic deformation and earthquake development in this area. The evolution of space-time distribution of tectonic deformation and seismicity is closely related to the block activity and dynamic evolution of regional tectonic stress field. c) The vertical deformation uplift and high-gradient deformation zones and the obvious fault deformation anomaly appeared along the boundaries of tectonic blocks can be considered as the indicators of hindered block motion and intensified tectonic stress field for strong earthquake development. Usually, the above-mentioned phenomena would be followed by the seismicity of M6.0, but the earthquake might not occur in the place with the maximum movement. The zones with the fault deformation anomaly characterized by tendencious accumulation acceleration turning and the surrounding areas might be the positions for accumulation of strain energy and development and occurrence of strong earthquakes.

Comparative research and its significance of deformation measurements by technologies of laser real-time holographic interferome-try and radar differential interferometry

The principles and applications of laser real-time holographic interferometry （LRTHI） and radar differential interferometry （RDI） technologies are described in this paper, respectively. By using LRTHI, we can observe the deformation of samples under pressure in the lab and study the anomaly characteristics relating to different strain fields in different fracture-developing areas; while by using RDI, we can observe the landform and surface deformation. The results of deformation observed before and after the Ms=7.9 Mani earthquake （Tibet） and Ms=6.2 Shangyi-Zhangbei earthquake in China are obtained. It is pointed out that LRTHI and RDi are similar, which study the characteristics of anomalous deformation field by fringe variations for both of them. Therefore, the observation of deformation field in the seismogenic process, especially in the period impending an earthquake by RDI, and the comparative study in the lab by LRTHI are of great significance.

Regional fault deformation characteristics before and after the Menyuan Ms6.4 earthquake

This study analyzes data regarding cross-fault deformations within the seismogenic zone of the 2016 Qinghai Menyuan Ms6.4 earthquake and its surrounding area. The results showed that the tendency anomaly sites near the epicenter had relatively long anomaly durations prior to the earthquake, while sudden-jumping anomaly sites started to increase in the middle eastern Qilian Mountains approximately a year before the earthquake and continued to increase and migrate towards the vicinity of the epicenter two to six months before the earthquake. Intensive observations a few days after the earthquake indicated that abnormal returns and turns before the earthquake were significant, but all had small amplitudes, and the coseismic effect was generally minor. In addition, the post-seismic tendency analysis of individual cross faults in the Qilian Mountain fault zone revealed an accelerating thrust tendency at all cross-fault sites in the middle Qilian Mountains after the 2008 Wenchuan Ms8.0 earthquake. This indicates that the Wenchuan mega-earthquake exerted a great impact on the dynamic environment of the northeastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet plate and significantly enhanced the extrusion effect of the Indian plate on the middle Qilian Mountains, generating favorable conditions for the occurrence of Menyuan thrust earthquakes.

Research on distinguishing method and mechanism of tidal deformation anomalies before large earthquakes

By analyzing the digital tilt tidal observations at Yongsheng station and strain tidal observations at Houma station, this paper suggests that the solid tidal force might trigger tiny abrupt deformation when the seismogenic system enters into an instable critical state. The step and abrupt changes correlate to a certain extent to the direction of tidal force and the orientation and size of tidal shear stress along the fault strike. In the paper, we study for the first time the relationship between deformation anomaly and additional tidal stress in order to approach the physical mechanism of anomalies appeared immediately before earthquakes and the distinguishing method.