Investigation of earthquake mechanisms and their impact on certain basic concepts in earthquake engineering and seismology

In this paper, mantle circulation flow, continental drift, earthquake origin and other mechanical principles are examined as they apply to earthquake engineering, seismology and dynamics of fluid saturated porous medium. The relationship of mantle flow to earthquakes is examined and clarified, and a new model, different from Haskell’s, is proposed for the earthquake mechanism. The proposed new model is based on the discovery that two pairs of jump stress and jump velocity will start to act from the fault plane. Records obtained directly from recent earthquakes nearby and right on the fault break show a very large velocity impulse, which verify, indirectly, the new mechanism proposed by the author. Further, at least two physical parameters that characterize the seismic intensity must be specified, because according to the discontinuous (jump) wave theory, at the earthquake source, the stress jump and the velocity jump of particle motion should act simultaneously when a sudden break occurs. The third key parameter is shown to be the break (fracture) propagation speed together with the break plane area. This parameter influences the form of the unloading time function at the source. The maximum seismic stress in and displacement of a building are estimated for two unfavorable combinations of the building and its base ground in terms of their relative rigidity. Finally, it is shown that Biot’s theory of wave propagation in fluid saturated porous media is valid only when fluid flow cannot occur.

Numerical models of earthquake mechanism

The tectonic creep and its variation after particular earthquakes are studied by the Stokes equation.The stress state of the region is modelled according to a hypothesis of plate tectonics in which the lithosphere of the region is laterally compressed across the Eurasian,Indian,and Arabian plates.The 1966 Tashkent(Uzbekistan)earthquake and the 1976 Gazli(Uzbekistan)earthquake are selected as examples to study different models of earthquake focal mechanisms.Based on the specifics of the geodynamic formulation,the three-dimensional equations of moment elasticity and hydromechanics are reduced to twodimensional equations for averaged stresses,displacements,and displacement velocities.The twodimensional equations are solved by boundary integral equations.The stresses can be useful in zoning maps.The vertical velocities obtained from the creep model of the earth’s crust can serve as additional data to Central Asia’s horizontal velocities from GPS measurements.

Fan‐hinged shear instead of frictional stick–slip as the main and most dangerous mechanism of natural,induced,and volcanic earthquakes in the earth's crust

Frictional stick–slip instability along pre‐existing faults has been accepted as the main mechanism of earthquakes for about 60 years,since it is believed that fracture of intact rocks cannot reflect such features inherent in earthquakes as low shear stresses activating instability,low stress drop,repetitive dynamic instability,and connection with pre‐existing faults.This paper demonstrates that all these features can be induced by a recently discovered shear rupture mechanism(fan‐hinged),which creates dynamic ruptures in intact rocks under stress conditions corresponding to seismogenic depths.The key element of this mechanism is the fan‐shaped structure of the head of extreme ruptures,which is formed as a result of an intense tensile cracking process,with the creation of inter‐crack slabs that act as hinges between the shearing rupture faces.The preference of the fan mechanism over the stick–slip mechanism is clear due to the extraordinary properties of the fan structure,which include the ability to generate new faults in intact dry rocks even at shear stresses that are an order of magnitude lower than the frictional strength;to provide shear resistance close to zero and abnormally large energy release;to cause a low stress drop;to use a new physics of energy supply to the rupture tip,providing supersonic rupture velocity;and to provide a previously unknown interrelation between earthquakes and volcanoes.All these properties make the fan mechanism the most dangerous rupture mechanism at the seismogenic depths of the earth's crust,generating the vast majority of earthquakes.The detailed analysis of the fan mechanism is presented in the companion paper“New physics of supersonic ruptures”published in DUSE.Further study of this subject is a major challenge for deep underground science,earthquake and fracture mechanics,volcanoes,physics,and tribology.

Large Active Faults and the Wharton Basin Intraplate Earthquakes in the Eastern Indian Ocean

In recent years,great earthquakes occurred within the Wharton Basin in the eastern Indian Ocean,and they have been associa-ted with active faulting on the ancient oceanic crust.Large seismogenic faults were thought to be the fault reactivation on the ancient oceanic crust,but these phenomena are still unclear and require examination.This study used high-quality multibeam bathymetry and multichannel seismic data collected over the northern Ninetyeast Ridge to investigate detailed fault geometry,structure,and activity.We recognized 12 large linear active faults by integrating bathymetry maps and multichannel seismic reflection profiles.Our results showed that these faults have high angles,and they all displaced the basement and propagated to the seafloor with distinct fault scarps.They trended NWW-SEE with a spacing of 10–40km and were parallel to each other and the nearby subfault of the 2012 great intraplate earthquake,suggesting similar stress fields.These faults are also in agreement with the orientations of magnetic isochrons,implying their formation by seafloor spreading.Furthermore,regarding the strike-slip focal mechanism of 2012 earthquakes,we proposed that these faults were created early by a normal spreading process and then evolved into a strike-slip pattern since the ancient oceanic crust ap-proached the subduction zones.

Preparatory mechanism of Ms8.0 Wenchuan earthquake evidenced by crust-deformation data

Some crustal-deformation data related to the Ms8.0 Wenchuan in 2008, was described and a model that is capable of explaining the observed deformation features is presented. The data include ： pre-earthquake uplift in an area south of the epicenter obtained by repeated-leveling measurements ; pre-earthquake horizontal deformation by GPS observation during two periods in Sichuan-Yunnan area;vertical deformation along a short cross-fault leveling line in the epicenter area; and co-seismic near-field vertical and horizontal crustal-move- ment data by GPS. The model is basically ＂elastic-rebound＂, but involves a zone between two local faults that was squeezed out at the time of earthquake. ：

Moment tensor inversion for focal mechanism of the Beibuwan earthquakes

Two earthquakes of Ms=6.0 and Ms=6. 1 consecutively occurred on December 31, 1994 and January 10, 1995 in Beibuwan region, China. By using the generalized reflection-transmission coefficient matrix and the discrete slowness integration method in the calculation of Green's functions, we obtained the focal mechanisms of these earthquakes using long-period waveforms of regional body waves recorded by the China Digital Seismograph Network (CDSN) by means of moment tensor inversion method in frequency domain. The results inverted indicate that the focal mechanisms of these two earthquakes were similar to each other. Their principal compressional stresses are in NW-SE direction and principal tensional stresses are in NE-SW direction. It turns out that the occurrence of the two earthquakes was controlled by the same tectonic environment related to the collision of the Philippine Plate and the Eurasian Plates. On the other hand, the results imply that the stress field in the seismogenic region has a significant change after the Ms=6.0 earthquake. It may be proposed that the occurrence of the Ms=6. 1 earthquake could be related to the stress field adjustment caused by the Ms=6.0 earthquake.

Tectonic Mechanism of the Suining(Ms5.0) Earthquake,Center of Sichuan Basin,China

On Jan.31 of 2010,the Suining earthquake occurred at Suining City whch is located the center of Sichuan Basin.It is unusual for the strong earthquake to occur at the center of Sichuan Basin with a stable geotectonic environment and a low-level historical seismicity.The macro-epicenter of the earthquake is located at Moxi town of Suining city,Sichuan province,China.The earthquake intensity of the epicenter area is degree VII,and the long axis of the isoseismal line trends in NE orientation.The Suining earthquake caused the collapse or destruction of 460 family houses.The earthquake focal mechanism solution and records of the near-field seismographic stations showed the earthquake occurred at the reverse fault at a depth 34 km.Based on the waveform and focal mechanism,we consider the Suning earthquake is triggered by the reverse fault and not by the gravitational collapse or man-made explosive sources.Basing on seismic refraction profile and borehole,we consider that the earthquake is triggered by the backthrust fault of Moxi anticline rooted in detachments at a depth 3-4 km.Furthermore,we infer that tectonic mechanism of the Suining(Ms5.0) Earthquake is driven by the horizontal crustal shortening and stress adjustment on a shallow detachment after the Wenchuan(Ms 8.0) earthquake.

Research on Stress Drops and the Focal Mechanisms of the Xinyuan- Hejing ML6.8 Earthquake Sequences

Based on the digital waveform data recorded by Xinjiang Digital Seismic Network for the Xinyuan-Hejing M_L6.8 earthquake sequences of June 30,2012,this paper analyzes the stress drops of earthquake sequences and the correlation coefficients of focal mechanisms significant for strong aftershocks.Firstly,the source parameters of the Xinyuan-Hejing M_L6.8 earthquake sequences are obtained by applying the spectrum analysis and the Brunes source model.Then,the correlation coefficients of spectral amplitudes are calculated using the low-frequency spectral amplitude recorded by the same station for the different events.Finally,based on the results of the correlation coefficients of spectral amplitudes,the events with similar focal mechanisms are grouped using the clustering method.The results show that:(1)The stress drop values show a steady trend in the aftershock sequence calm period and the stress drop values show a rise-fall in strong aftershocks.(2)The moving average correlation coefficient of amplitude spectrum begins to spread after the main shock.It shows that the correlation decreases between the main shock and the aftershocks in mechanisms.(3)The results of focal mechanism groups show that the earthquake sequences are mainly strike slips.The stress distribution of the main pressure axis is nearly NS,which is the same as the structural stress field.(4)The magnitude and mechanism show that there is an agreement before the strong aftershock,which shows that the regional stress field is enhanced.

The spatial characteristic of the short－term and imminent anomalies of waterradonbe┐foreearthquakeinthemainlandofChina

The changes of radon content in underground water(water radon)recorded at about 200 stations in 32 earthquakes occurred in the mainland of China are studied in this paper. The result shows that the spatial distribution of short term and imminent anomalies of water radon before earthquake seems to be mainly related to the active master fault nearby the hypocenter of an earthquake and the earthquake generating mechanism. Finally, some understandings on the mechanism of the aomalies and the imminent earthquake prediction are set forth.

Characteristics and triggering mechanism of Xinmo landslide on 24 June 2017 in Sichuan, China

At 5: 39 AM on 24 June 2017, a huge landslide-debris avalanche occurred on Fugui Mountain at Xinmo village, Diexi town, Maoxian county, Sichuan province, China. The debris blocked the Songpinggou River for about 2 km, resulting in a heavy loss of both human lives and properties(10 deaths, 3 injuries, 73 missing, and 103 houses completely destroyed). The objectives of this paper are to understand the overall process and triggering factors of this landslide and to explore the affecting factors for its long term evolution before failure. Post event surveys were carried out the day after the landslide occurrence. Information was gathered from literature and on-site investigation and measurement. Topography, landforms, lithology, geological setting, earthquake history, meteorological and hydrological data of the area were analysed. Aerial photographs and other remote sensing information were used for evaluation and discussion. Eye witnesses also provided a lot of helpful information for us to understand the process of initiation, development and deposition. The depositional characteristics of the moving material as well as the traces of the movement,the structural features of the main scarp and the seismic waves induced by the slide are presented and discussed in detail in this paper. The results show that the mechanism of the landslide is a sudden rupture of the main block caused by the instability of a secondary block at a higher position. After the initiation, the failed rock mass at higher position overloaded the main block at the lower elevation and collapsed in tandem. Fragmentation of the rock mass occurred later, thus forming a debris avalanche with high mobility. This landslide case indicates that such seismic events could influence geological hazards for over 80 years and this study provides reference to the long term susceptibility and risk assessment of secondary geological hazards from earthquake.

Earth Core’s stresses variation in Central Asian earthquakes region

Tecto nic stresses of Ce ntral Asia(limited by geographic coo rdinates 36-46°N,56-76°E)over the rece nt times are modeled based on moment elasticity,taking into account the focal mechanism of earthquakes.Numerical results obtained by the method of boundary integral equations.The relief of the earth’s surface,built on the map of Central Asia used to verify the solution of the inverse elasticity problem.The moment elasticity equations are simplified by assumingωk=εijkμi,j,which makes it possible to return to classical theory of elasticity,with the difference that the stress tensor ceases to be symmetricσij≠σji.Based on the specifics of the geodynamic formulation of problems,the three-dimensional model reduced to a two-dimensional model for averaged stresses and displacements.According to the results,a displacement field was constructed,which is fully consistent with the movements of the earth’s surface,established by the GPS method.The model makes it possible to determine stresses variations in the region from earthquakes occurring in Central Asia.

Dynamic changes of gravity fields before and after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake(Ms8.0)

The pattern evolution and dynamic mechanism of the dynamic changes of regional gravity fields occurring before and after the Wenchuan Ms8.0 earthquake are analyzed, based on five epochs of 1998 -2007 mobile gravity data from the middle-south section of the north-south seismic belt, and two epochs of field research data collected after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in combination with GPS data, leveling observations, and geotectonic environment data. The regional dynamic gravity changes demonstrate the effects of the eastward flow of solid matter in the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau and the preparation of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake （2- 10 yr）. The two most meaningful gravity indicators of the Wcnchuan earthquake preparation are the positive （increasing） gravity changes occurring over many years in the southwest epicenter and the largescale gradient zone of gravity variation, with the cumulative difference between the two sides of the gradient zone of gravity exceeding 200 μGal. The positive gravity changes may facilitate a constant energy accumulation and the gradient belt may support seismic shear breakage. Overall, the gravity changes associated with the earthquake preparation indicate a pattern of accelerating increase-decelerating increase-earthquake occurrence. The Songpan-Ganzi block generally displays a negative gravity change, providing evidence for a local upwarp- ing of the deep crust-mantle and an interior expansion of the deep crust attributable to high temperatures. The viewpoint is consistent with the dilatant mechanism for earthquake preparation.

Temporal variation of gravity field prior to the Ludian Ms6.5 and Kangding Ms6.3 earthquakes

Using mobile gravity data from the central area of Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces, the relationship between gravity variation and earthquakes was studied based on the Ludian Ms6.5 earthquake that occurred on August 3rd, 2014, and the Kangding Ms6.3 earthquake that occurred on November 22 nd, 2014; the mechanism of gravity variation was also explored. The results are as follows：（1） Prior to both earthquakes, gravity variation exhibited similar characteristics as those observed before both the Tangshan and Wenchuan earthquakes, in which typical precursor anomalies were positive gravity variation near the epicenter and the occurrence of a high-gravity-gradient zone across the epicenter prior to the earthquake.（2） A relatively accurate prediction of the occurrence locations of the two earthquakes was made by the Gravity Network Center of China（GNCC） based on these precursor anomalies. In the gravity study report on the 2014 earthquake trends submitted at the end of 2013, the Daofu-Shimian section at the junction of the Xianshuihe and Longmenshan fault zones was noted as an earthquake-risk region with a predicted magnitude of 6.5, which covered the epicenter of the Kangding Ms6.3 earthquake. In another report on earthquake trends in southwestern China submitted in mid-2014, the Lianfeng, Zhaotong fault zone was also classified as an earthquake-risk region with a magnitude of 6.0, and the central area of this region basically overlapped with the epicenter of the Ludian Ms6.5 earthquake.（3） The gravity variation characteristics are reasonably consistent with crustal movements, and deep material migration is likely the primary cause of gravity variation.

A catastrophic debris flow in the Wenchuan Earthquake area,July 2013：characteristics,formation,and risk reduction

In the Wenchuan Earthquake area,many co-seismic landslides formed blocking-dams in debris flow channels. This blocking and bursting of landslide dams amplifies the debris flow scale and results in severe catastrophes. The catastrophic debris flow that occurred in Qipan gully(Wenchuan,Southwest China) on July 11,2013 was caused by intense rainfall and upstream cascading bursting of landslide dams. To gain an understanding of the processes of dam bursting and subsequent debris flow scale amplification effect,we attempted to estimate the bursting debris flow peak discharges along the main gully and analyzed the scale amplification process. The results showed that the antecedent and triggering rainfalls for 11 July debris flow event were 88.0 mm and 21.6 mm,respectively. The event highlights the fact that lower rainfall intensity can trigger debris flows after the earthquake. Calculations of the debris flow peak discharge showed that the peak discharges after the dams-bursting were 1.17–1.69 times greater than the upstream peak discharge. The peak discharge at the gully outlet reached 2553 m^3/s which was amplified by 4.76 times in comparison with the initial peak discharge in the upstream. To mitigate debris flow disasters,a new drainage channel with a trapezoidal V-shaped cross section was proposed. The characteristic lengths(h1 and h2) under optimal hydraulic conditions were calculated as 4.50 m and 0.90 m,respectively.

A tectonic stress map of China and adjacent regions from earthquakes occurred during 2000～2004

Earthquake focal mechanism solutions provide the basic information about the present-day regional tectonics stress distribution, which controls the activities of crustal faults. Therefore, continued efforts for updating the database of earthquake focal mechanism solutions are quite valuable and important.

Evidence of earthquakes triggered by the tidal force of the sun and the moon——On the temporal characteristics of the earthquakes in Xingtai,Hejian and Tangshan

Studies by many scientists show that Hebei, China is an area with strong correlation between the tidal force and the occurrences of major earthquakes, the Xingtai earthquake of 1966, the Hejian earthquake of 1967 and the Tangshan earthquake of 1976 were triggered by the tidal force, in this paper the study on the common characteristics of their occurrence times confirms these facts. The computed times of maximum horizontal of the semi diurnal solid tide tidal force show that the occurrence times of the above mentioned earthquakes were close to the times of maximum horizontal tidal force of the semi diurnal solid tide at new moon or full moon. The Longyao earthquake of M =6.8, the Ningjin earthquake of M =7.2 and the Hejian earthquake of M =6.3 occurred tens of minutes after the maximum horizontal tidal force of the semi diurnal solid tides, and the Tangshan earthquake of M =7.8 occurred 16 minutes before the maximum horizontal tidal force. The tidal forces were directed to the west. This is their temporal characteristic. It is generally accepted that the 1969 Bohai earthquake of M =7.4 and the 1975 Haicheng earthquake were not triggered by the tidal force. These events did not show such characteristics. The temporal characteristics of the earthquakes indicate that the occurrences of these events were not random, but were controlled by the tidal force from the sun and the moon, and triggered by the tidal force. These facts agree with the triggering mechanism of the tidal force, are evidences of earthquakes triggered by tidal force.

Experimental analysis for the dynamic initiation mechanism of debris flows

Debris flow is one of the major secondary mountain hazards following the earthquake. This study explores the dynamic initiation mechanism of debris flows based on the strength reduction of soils through static and dynamic triaxial tests. A series of static and dynamic triaxial tests were conducted on samples in the lab. The samples were prepared according to different grain size distribution, degree of saturation and earthquake magnitudes. The relations of dynamic shear strength, degree of saturation, and number of cycles are summarized through analyzing experimental results. The findings show that the gravelly soil with a wide and continuous gradation has a critical degree of saturation of approximately 87%, above which debris flows will be triggered by rainfall, while the debris flow will be triggered at a critical degree of saturation of about 73% under the effect of rainfall and earthquake(M>6.5). Debris flow initiation is developed in the humidification process, and the earthquake provides energy for triggering debris flows. Debris flows are more likely to be triggered at the relatively low saturation under dynamic loading than under static loading. The resistance of debris flow triggering relies more on internal frication angle than soil cohesion under the effect of rainfall and earthquake. The conclusions provide an experimental analysis method for dynamic initiation mechanism of debris flows.

Apparent Stress Changes of the 2010 Luanxian Earthquake Sequence

On March 6,2010,an earthquake of M L4. 5 took place in Luanxian,Hebei Province,with plenty of foreshocks and aftershocks. From December 2009 to March 2010,a series of M L≥ 2. 5 earthquakes were recorded by the digital seismic network of the capital region,which were selected to calculate the apparent stress in this region. The results show that,firstly,a high value anomaly of apparent stress appeared before the M L4. 5 and peak value appeared on the main shock, which then decreased after the ML4. 5 earthquake. The apparent stress of the main shock is much greater than that of most aftershocks,the sequence type is considered as a main shock-aftershock. Secondly,the size of apparent stress perfectly reflects the state of the stress field in the hypocenter region,and we can discuss seismic sequence properties through the changing process of apparent stress,in combination with the traditional methods to identify a sequence more accurately. Finally,in the case of magnitude less than or equal to M L3. 3,correlation between magnitude and apparent stress is positive.

Research on the Activity Characteristics of Small Earthquake Swarms in the Muli Area of Sichuan Province

In this article,we relocated the seismic source location of the earthquakes in the Muli area of Sichuan,inverted the focal mechanism of the larger earthquakes and analyzed the relationship between the water level of the Jinping reservoir and the frequency of the earthquake swarm. The results show that:( 1) The epicenters of the relocated small earthquake swarms are distributed in a seismic zone,and the earthquake focal depths were in the range of 0- 12 km.( 2) By analyzing the earthquake swarm spatial distribution,we found that the swarms were generated by one branch fault on the west of Xiaojinhe fault.( 3) The focal mechanism of the three earthquakes with magnitude greater than 4. 0 is significantly different,with the shallow source thrust events affected by vertical stress,and the strike-slip events are related to regional stress tectonic activity.

Focal mechanics and disaster characteristics of the 2024 M 7.6 Noto Peninsula Earthquake,Japan

On January 1,2024,a devastating M 7.6 earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula,Ishikawa Prefecture,Japan,resulting in significant casualties and property damage.Utilizing information from the first six days after the earthquake,this article analyzes the seismic source characteristics,disaster situation,and emergency response of this earthquake.The results show:1)The earthquake rupture was of the thrust type,with aftershock distribution showing a north-east-oriented belt-like feature of 150 km.2)Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS)and Interferometric synthetic aperture radar(InSAR),observations detected significant westward to north-westward co-seismic displacement near the epicenter,with the maximum horizontal displacement reaching 1.2 m and the vertical uplift displacement reaching 4 m.A two-segment fault inversion model fits the observational data well.3)Near the epicenter,large Peak Ground Velocity(PGV)and Peak Ground Acceleration(PGA)were observed,with the maxima reaching 145 cm/s and 2681 gal,respectively,and the intensity reached the highest level 7 on the Japanese(Japan Meteorological Agency,JMA)intensity standard,which is higher than level 10 of the United States Geological Survey(USGS)Modified Mercalli Intensity(MMI)standard.4)The observation of the very rare multiple strong pulse-like ground motion(PLGM)waveform poses a topic worthy of research in the field of earthquake engineering.5)As of January 7,the earthquake had left 128 deaths and 560 injuries in Ishikawa Prefecture,with 1305 buildings completely or partially destroyed,and had triggered a chain of disasters including tsunamis,fires,slope failures,and road damage.Finally,this paper summarizes the emergency rescue,information dissemination,and other disaster response and management measures taken in response to this earthquake.This work provides a reference case for carrying out effective responses,and offers lessons for handling similar events in the future.