Monitoring the horizontal movement along the Shanxi fault zone by GPS measurement

Based on the data from 4 times of repeated measurements (1996-1999) of GPS monitoring network arranged along Shanxi fault zone, the current horizontal movement of Shanxi fault zone and its relationship with Yangyuan-Hunyuan earthquake (M=5.6; 39.8°N, 113.9°E; November 1, 1999) which occurred at the north part of the monitoring network is analyzed. The results from the analysis indicate: (1) The horizontal movement along Shanxi fault zone was not obvious from 1996 to 1997; (2) The intensity of horizontal movement along Shanxi fault zone increased at the period of 1997 to 1998, and there are three areas with relatively higher strain (1×10-6) appeared, i.e., the source region, Xinzhou region and northeastern part of Jiexiu; (3) Although the dominant movement direction of Shanxi fault zone in the period of 1998 to 1999 was consistent with the fault striking direction, but as compared with the movement in the passed year, the direction was almost reversed, while the absolute value of the movement was close each other; (4) The accumulated horizontal movement along Shanxi fault zone from 1996 to 1999 became obvious gradually. It can be divided into three parts by considering its tendency: (a) the dominant direction of movement in north of Xinzhou is NNE (0.8 cm); (b) in south of Quwo it is SSW (1 cm); (c) in the central area it is rather complicated, the deformation in the southern part is little more large, but in the view of whole area there is no dominant movement exist. Generally speaking, Shanxi fault zone is mainly controlled by the NNE-SSW-trending extension stress field, but there is no strike-slip movement. In the period of 1997 to 1998, there might be a clear stress disturb and it was essentially recovered in 1999. Then the Yangyuan-Hunyuan earthquake occurred. Very possible, this disturb is the triggering to the earthquake.

Determination of active units with different kinematic property and their activity pattern in North China based on the data from GPS remeasurements

Based on the high-accuracy data obtained from the GPS measurements carried out in 1992, 1995 and 1996, the isochronous active units with different kinematic property inside the North China area have been distinguished, 4 active units and 1 transition zone with distinct differential movement have been determined. They are Ordos-Yinshan unit, Yanshan unit, Shanxi-Hebei-Shandong (Jin-Ji-Lu) unit, Jiaodong-Liaoning-Shandong (Jiao-Liao-Lu) unit and Yanshan-Hebei (Yan-Ji) transition zone. The relative movements among the neighboring units in this period have been given. ① The compressive movement between Ordos-Yinshan unit and Yanshan unit is not obvious with an amount of 0.4(1.3 mm/a.②in-Ji-Lu unit moves E40(S off the Ordos-Yinshan unit and the magnitude is 4.4(1.0 mm/a. ③elative to the Yan-Ji transition zone of differential movement, Yanshan unit shifts W38(N with a value of 2.4(1.3 mm/a and Jin-Ji-Lu unit moves eastward 35( by south with an amount of 2.3(0.9 mm/a. ④Jin-Ji-Lu unit has a tensional left-lateral movement of 4.7(1.4 mm/a in the direction of E37(S relative to Yanshan unit. ⑤ Some area near Tanlu belt which is located in the southern part of Jin-Ji-Lu block has a southward movement 14( by west with a magnitude of 1.5(1.1 mm/a off the Jin-Ji-Lu unit. ⑥ Relative to Jin-Ji-Lu unit, Jiao-Liao-Lu unit has a trend of clockwise movement with a tensional right-lateral motion at the north end which neighbors Yanshan unit and a compressive motion at the south end. It should be noted that the errors given in the paper are obtained based on the divergence among the displacements of the sites in the unit, rather than the value calculated from the displacement error of the sites. The analyzed results indicate that: ① Shanxi tectonic zone and Yan-Ji transition zone are the major tectonic active zones to show the frame and magnitude of interior relative movement in North China area, and others are the secondary tectonic active zones; ② The complete horizontal deformation in the North China area is not homogeneous nor successive; ③ The kinetic model of North China area might be (mantle dragging plus boundary coupling(.

Comparisons of the temperature and humidity profiles of reanalysis products with shipboard GPS sounding measurements obtained during the 2018 Eastern Indian Ocean Open Cruise

It is important to be able to characterize the thermal conditions over the equatorial Indian Ocean for both weather forecasting and climate prediction. This study compared the equatorial eastern Indian Ocean (EEIO) temperature and relative humidity profiles from three reanalysis products (JRA-55, MERRA2, and FGOALS-f2) with shipboard global positioning system (GPS) sounding measurements obtained during the Eastern Indian Ocean Open Cruise in spring 2018. The FGOALS-f2 reanalysis product is based on the initialization module of a sub-seasonal to seasonal prediction system with a nudging-based data assimilation method. The results indicated that:(1) both JRA-55 and MERRA2 were reliable in characterizing the temperature profile from 850 to 600 hPa, with a maximum deviation of about <0.5℃. Both datasets showed a large negative deviation below 825 hPa, with a maximum bias of about 2℃ at 1000 hPa and 1.5℃ at 900 hPa, respectively.(2) JRA-55 showed good performance in characterizing the relative humidity profile above 850 hPa, with a maximum deviation of < 8%, while it showed much wetter conditions below 850 hPa. MERRA2 overestimated the relative humidity in the middle to lower troposphere, with a maximum deviation of about 15% at 925 hPa.(3) The FGOALS-f2 reanalysis product more accurately reproduced the temperature profile in the marine atmospheric boundary layer over the EEIO than that in JRA-55 and MERRA2, but showed much wetter conditions than the GPS sounding observations, with a maximum deviation of up to 20% at 600 hPa. Future applications of GPS sounding datasets are discussed.

Dynamic mechanism for horizontal deformation in part of North China area——Three-dimensional finite-element calculation and analysis of results from GPS remeasurement

A deformation monitoring network that covers part of North China area and takes the Beijing region as the center was measured for two times with high precision GPS in 1995 and 1996 respectively. The results from remeasurement indicate that present horizontal movement in the monitored area is characterized by relative motion among several main tectonic blocks. Considering the spatial distribution features obtained from geological survey and results on seismic wave and activity in the area, and stratified features of crustal medium in depth, a three dimensional finite element medium model is designed. And under the conditions of taking and not taking the action manner of the background stress field in the studied area into account, the relative motion between tectonic blocks is calculated and modeled. Based on the results from the analysis and calculations the dynamic mechanism for the present horizontal deformation in the area is discussed.

THE CONFIDENCE EVALUATION FOR AIRBORNE GPS DATA

GPS kinematic carrier phase measurements can be used to determine seven di- mension state and three attitude parameters of a motional carrier,such as an aircraft or a low- earth-orbit spacecraft,on which an antenna is installed to receive GPS signals. It is known from airborne GPS test results for photogrammetry in China since 1994 that GPS carrier phase measurements in a motional environment have acquired external accuracies of ± 7. 9cm for two dimensional positions and ± 18. 1cm for point heights. This paper describes airborne GPS carrier phase -measurements with multireference stations and discusses how to evaluate the confidence of GPS kinematic data.

Geodynamic hazards and risk assessment at the Karachaganak oil,gas,and condensate field

The geodynamic hazards and risk assessment at the Karachaganak oil,gas,and condensate field(KOGCF)were explored on the northern board of the Pre-Caspian Basin to predict the consequences of the longterm exploitation of this field.We integrate multiple measurements,including repeated accurate leveling,Global Positioning System(GPS)measurements,and high precision gravimetric and seismological monitoring at the KOGCF.The results of geodynamic monitoring at the KOGCF for the first time made it possible to prove noticeable seismic deformation processes in the sedimentary cover under the influence of hydrocarbon production.The vertical displacements and horizontal movement along faults,changes in local gravity anomalies,and earthquake sources at depths comparable to hydrocarbon production intervals at the KOGCF have been identified.The maximum amplitudes of modern vertical movement of the earth’s surface and the minimum values of the differently oriented horizontal movement were revealed within the projection on the ground surface of the crest of the carbonate massif(Upper Devonian-Lower Permian age).The results suggest the expansion of uneven compression in the crest of the KOGCF while tension processes occur on its periphery.There is a decrease in gravity variations in relation to the slopes of this massif in areas with active hydrocarbon production.An extended zone of high-gradient steps of AGa anomalies,spatially coinciding with the position of fault zones,is mapped along the periphery of the contour of production wells.In the northeastern part of the KOGCF,seismic events were registered practically in the depth intervals of the productive horizons from which hydrocarbons are produced.A spatial relationship between the seismic events and the anomalous deformation activity in the northeast KOGCF has been revealed.Consequently,the field development has provoked both intense deformation of the earth’s surface and weak local seismicity.

Crustal Motion Characteristics in the Eastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau and Adjacent Regions after the Wenchuan Earthquake

The Wenchuan earthquake has altered the crustal motion characteristics in the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and adjacent regions.Using discontinuous GPS survey data for 2008–2012, the velocity field for the Eurasia reference framework has been obtained, and the general trend of contemporary crustal motion after the occurrence of the Wenchuan earthquake has been studied.In addition, using the velocity field, the block movement velocity has been estimated by least-squares fitting.Furthermore, the properties and displacement rates of main faults have been obtained from the differences in velocity vectors of the blocks on both sides of the faults.The results reveal that there are no obvious changes in the general characteristics of crustal motion in this area after the Wenchuan earthquake.The earthquake mainly changed the rate of the movement of the Chuan-Qing block and caused variation in the movement direction of the South China block.The effect of the earthquake on faults is mainly reflected in variations in fault displacement velocity; there is no fundamental change in the properties of fault activity.The displacement rates of the Xianshuihe fault decreased by 3–4 mm/a, the Longmenshan fault increased by 9–10 mm/a, and the northern segment of the Anninghe fault increased by approximately 9 mm/a.Furthermore, the displacement rates of the Minjiang, Xueshan, Huya, Longquanshan, and Xinjin faults increased by 2–3 mm/a.This implies that the effects of the Wenchuan earthquake on crustal movement can mainly be observed in the Chuan-Qing, South China, and N-Chuan-Dian blocks and their internal faults, as well as the Xianshuihe and Longmenshan faults and the northern section of the Anninghe fault.The reason for this is that the Wenchuan earthquake disturbed the kinematic and dynamic balance in the region.

Heterogeneous strain regime in the eastern margin of Tibetan Plateau and its tectonic implications

The eastern margin of Tibetan Plateau is one of the most active zones of tectonic deformation and seismicity in China. To monitor strain buildup and benefit seismic risk assessment, we constructed 14 survey-mode global position system （GPS） stations throughout the northwest of Longmenshan fault. A new GPS field over 1999-2011 is derived from measurements of the newly built and pre-existing stations in this region. Sequentially, two strain rate fields, one preceding and the other following the 2008 MwT.9 Wenchuan earthquake, are obtained using the Gausian weighting approach. Strain field over 1999-2007 shows distinct strain partitioning prior to the 2008 MwT.9 Wenchuan earthquake, with compression spreading over around Longmenshan area. Strain fieldderived from the two measurements in 2009 and 2011 shows that the area around Longmenshan continues to be under striking compression, as the pattern preceding the Wenchuan earthquake, implying a causative factor of the sequent of 2013 Mw6.7 Lushan earthquake. Our GPSderived dilatation shows that both the Wenchuan and Lushan earthquakes occurred within the domain of pro- nounced contraction. The GPS velocities demonstrate that the Longriba fault underwent slight motion with the faultnormal and -parallel rates at 1.0 -4- 2.5 mm and 0.3 4-2.2 mm/a; the Longmenshan fault displayed slow activity, with a fault-normal rate at 0.8 ± 2.5 mm/a, and a fault-parallel rate at 1.8 4- 1.7 mm/a. Longriba fault is on a par with Longmenshan fault in strain partitioning to accommodate the southeastward motion of eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Integrated analysis of principal strain tensors, mean principal stress, and fast directions of mantle anisotropy shows that west of Sichuan is characterized as mechanically strong crust-mantle coupling.

Present-day Block Movement and Fault Activity on the Eastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau

The geology and tectonics in the eastern margin of Tibetan Plateau are complex. The main tectonic framework is composed of blocks and faults. Using discontinuous global positioning system survey data for 2008–2014, the velocity field for the Eurasia reference framework was obtained. Based on the velocity field, the present-day velocities of the blocks and boundary faults were estimated. The results reveal that the movement rates of the Chuan-Qing, South China, Chuan-Dian and Indo-China blocks are（17.02±0.60） mm/a,（8.77±1.51） mm/a,（13.85±1.31） mm/a and（6.84 ± 0.74） mm/a, respectively, and their movement directions are 99.5°, 120.3°, 142.9° and 153.3°, respectively. All blocks exhibit clockwise rotation. The displacement rates of the Xianshuihe, Longmenshan, Anninghe, Zemuhe, Xiaojiang and Red River faults are（7.30±1.25–8.30±1.26） mm/a,（10.07±0.97–11.79±0.89） mm/a,（0.96±0.74–2.98±1.73） mm/a,（2.03±0.49–3.20±0.73） mm/a,（3.45±0.40–6.02±0.50） mm/a and（6.23±0.56） mm/a, respectively. The Xianshuihe, Anninghe, Zemuhe and Xiaojiang faults show leftlateral strike-slip movement, while the Longmenshan and Red River faults show right-lateral strikeslip. These characteristics of the blocks and faults are related to the particular tectonic location and dynamic mechanism.

One feature of the activated southern Ordos block:the Ziwuling small earthquake cluster

Small earthquakes （Ms〉2.0） have been recorded from 1970 to the present day and reveal a significant diffrence in seismicity between the stable Ordos block and its active surrounding area. The southern Ordos block is a conspicuous small earthquake belt clustered and isolated along the NNW direction and extends to the inner stable Ordos block; no active fault can match this small earthquake cluster. In this paper, we analyze the dynamic mechanism of this small earthquake cluster based on the GPS velocity field （from 1999 to 2007） , which are mainly from Crustal Movement Observation Network of China （CMONOC） with respect to the north and south China blocks. The principal direction of strain rate field, the expansion ratefield, the maximum shear strain rate, and the rotation rate were constrained using the GPS velocity field. The results show that the velocity field, which is bounded by the small earthquake cluster from Tongchuan to Weinan, differs from the strain rate field, and the crustal deformation is left-lateral shear. This left-lateral shear belt not only spatially coincides with the Neo-tectonic belt in the Weihe Basin but also with the NNW small earthquake cluster （the Ziwuling small earthquake cluster）. Based on these studies, we speculate that the NNW small earthquake cluster is caused by left-lateral shear slip, which is prone to strain accumulation. When the strain releases along the weak zone of structure, small earthquakes diffuse within its upper crust. The maximum principal compression stress direction changed from NE-SW to NEE-SWW, and the former reverse faults in the southwestern margin of the Ordos block became a left-lateral strike slip due to readjustment of the tectonic stress field after the middle Pleistocene. The NNW Neo-tectonie belt in the Weihe Basin, the different movement character of the inner Weihe Basin （which was demonstrated through GPS measurements） anti the small earthquake cluster belt reflect the activated southern margin of the Ordos block, which was generated through readjustment of the tectonic stress field after the middle Pleistocene.

Variations of the Earth＇s rotation rate and cyclic processes in geodynamics

The authors analyzed the relationship between variations of the Earth＇s rotation rate and the geodynamic processes within the Earth＇s body, including seismic activity, The rotation rate of a planet determines its uniaxial compression along the axis of rotation and the areas of various surface elements of the body. The Earth＇s ellipticity variations, caused naturally by the rotation rate variations, are manifested in vertical components of precise GPS measurements. Comparative analysis of these variations is considered in view of modern theoretical ideas concerning the Earth＇s figure. The results justify further research that is of interest for improvement of space svstems and technologiesi.

Remote sensing ionospheric variations due to total solar eclipse, using GNSS observations

For years great interest has been taken in the effects of physical phenomena on ionosphere structure. A total solar eclipse was visible in North America on August 21 st, 2017. This event offered a great opportunity for remote sensing the ionospheric behavior under the eclipse condition. In this study we investigated the effects of total solar eclipse on variations of Total Electron Content(TEC), and consequently deviations on regional models of Vertical TEC(VTEC), as well as variations in ionospheric scintillation occurrence. Although variations of TEC due to total solar eclipse are studied thoroughly by many authors, but the effect of solar eclipse on ionospheric scintillation has never been considered before. Our study is based on measurements from a high-rate GPS network over North America on the day of eclipse, a day before and after its occurrence, on the other hand, GPS measurements from groundbased stations on similar days were used to model TEC on the day of event, and also one day before and after it. The results of this study demonstrate that solar eclipse reduced scintillation occurrence at the totality region up to 28 percent and TEC values showed a decrease of maximum 7 TECU. Considering TEC models, our study showed apparent variations in the regional models, which confirms previous studies on ionospheric responses to eclipse as well as theoretical assumptions.

Characteristics of crustal strain associated with M=6.4 Baotou earthquake in 1996

Based on the horizontal crustal strain derived from GPS data and the rate accumulation intensity calculated from across-fault vertical deformation, the strain characteristics in the periods of 1992~1995, 1995~1996 and 1996~1999 in Baotou-Datong area is studied in the paper. From the comparison between the crustal strains before and after the M=6.4 Baotou earthquake occurred on May 3, 1996, it is considered that the high-magnitude area with predominant compressive strain might be the seismogenic zone for a coming strong earthquake. The area with the simultaneous higher surface strain, principal compressive strain, shear strain and tendency accumulation might be the place with higher risk of strong earthquakes. Generally, the area with low strain and predominant tensile strain might have a small possibility for strong earthquake development, which belongs to a stable area. The evolution of horizontal strain obtained from GPS measurements carried out in Baotou-Datong area in the period of 1992~1999 reflects the total developing and ending processes of the seismic episode from 1996 to 1998. The area with high and predominant compressive strain and the strain gradient zone can be considered as one of the indicators for determining the strong earthquake risk area in the future.

Design of High Precision Horizontal Control Network for Large-Scale Hydropower Project

A new solution of combination network of GPS and high precise distance measurements with EDM is proposed. Meanwhile, it’s inadvisable only using GPS network without distance measurements. Three schemes: terrestrial network, GPS network and combination network are discussed for horizontal control network design of Xiangjiaba Dam in view of precision, reliability, coordinate and outlay in detail.

Study on the Relationship Between Recent Crustal Deformation and the Temporal-Spatial Distribution of Strong Earthquakes (M_s≥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 (M S≥6.0), which were not distributed along the major boundary active faults in the region after the 1981 Dawu M S 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.

Activity Tendency and Dynamic Characteristics of Shanxi Fault Zone

The tendency and dynamic characteristics of horizontal movement along the Shanxi fault zone have been analyzed using the data obtained from 6 repeated measurements (1996～2001) in the GPS monitoring network arranged along the Shanxi fault zone. The results indicate: (1) the tendentious activity of the present stage is characterized by a W trending movement along the northern segment of the zone, an E trending movement along the southern segment and counter clockwise differential activity on the whole, but the intensity of the tendentious activity is not high. The tendentious differential movement is only about 3 mm/a in the direction perpendicular to the fault zone from the south to the north, and its stretch in the SN direction is only 1 mm/a and mainly occurs along the north segment of the fault; (2) The azimuth of the principal compressive stress field reflected by the tendentious movement is 72°; (3) The property of annual activity is not the same, even contrary to one another or deviates from the tendentious activity. Therefore, the parameters of the strain field derived from them dont reflect the physical characteristics of the basic stress field. (4) The high frequency movement (yearly) does not only exist but is also complicated by an intensity several times higher than that of the tendentious movement; (5) Obvious differential movements, including strike slip, can not be seen in either in secular activity or annual activity on both sides of any fault. The tendentious movement not only verifies the conjecture of “strong in the south and weak in north”, which is the basic feature forcing the western boundary of the North China area, but it also extends to the hinterland of North China. The fact that there is no obvious differential activity on both sides of the fault might indicate that the differential activity among the intraplate blocks is completed by gradual variation in a certain space, rather than the abrupt change bordered by a fault or narrow stripe zone. The obvious dynamic activity might indicate: (1) there is stress disturbance in the basic stress field; (2) the inhomogeneous or non synchronous variation that appeared in the regional stress and strain fields was due to the different physical property of the medium; (3)the response occurred because of a variety of external variations. The movement in 2001 shows that the Daixian county and its adjacent area might be the boundary segment for the relative differential activity. More attention should be paid here.

Regional Stress Field and Seismic Dynamics Along the Border Zone Between Fujian, Guangdong and Jiangxi Provinces

The regional stress field and seismic dynamics along the border zone between Fujian, Guangdong and Jiangxi Provinces are studied based on the seismo-geological data,GPS measurement, and seismicity. The results show that: (1) the principal compressional stress of the stress field is oriented in NW-SE direction and the principal extensional stress is in NE-SW direction; (2) the WNW-ward compression and collision of the Philippine Sea Plate to the eastern coast of Taiwan Island are the most direct and most important dynamic source for preparation and occurrence of strong earthquakes in the Taiwan Region and along the border zone between Fujian, Guangdong and Jiangxi Provinces.

Motive force of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau moving to east

A calculation formula on spherical pattern of Qinghai-Tibet plateau moving model is established. Tibet massif moves norward by east in speed of 28 mm/a, Ganshu-Qinghai massif moves to northeast in speed of 15 mm/a, Qomolangma Feng moves northward by a few east in speed of 35 -42 mm/a. The low latitude perimeter is longer than the high latitude perimeter. When the Tibet massif moves northward, its latitude perimeter must be contracted and the Tibet massif must move eastward by Cofiolis. Cofiolis force is inertial in earth rotation. It makes the fall body turning to east and the rising block turning westward. In the Northern Hemisphere, it makes the northward body turning to east and the southward block turning to west. This is the reason why the tectonic zones of western Pacific are different from those of eastern Pacific.

Measuring boundary-layer height under clear and cloudy conditions using three instruments

Boundary-layer height （BLH） under clear, altostratus and low stratus cloud conditions were measured by GPS sounding, wind profiler radar, and micro-pulse lidar during the atmospheric radiation measurement experiment from Sep. to Dec. 2008 in Shouxian, Anhui, China. Results showed that during daytime or nighttime, regardless of cloud conditions, the GPS sounding was the most accurate method for measuring BLH. Unfortunately, because of the long time gap between launchings, sounding data did not capture the diurnal evolution of the BLH. Thus, wind profile radar emerged as a promising instrument for direct and continuous measurement of the mixing height during the daytime, accurately determining BLH using the structure parameter of the electromagnetic refractive index. However, during nighttime, radar was limited by weak signal extraction and did not work well for determining the BLH of the stable boundary layer, often recording the BLH of the residual layer. While micro-pulse lidar recorded the evolution of BLH, it overestimated the BLH of the stable boundary layer. This method also failed to work under cloudy conditions because of the influence of water vapor. Future work needs to develop a method to determine BLH that combines the complimentary features of all three algorithms.

Online Pattern Recognition and Data Correction of PMU Data Under GPS Spoofing Attack

Smart grids are increasingly dependent on data with the rapid development of communication and measurement.As one of the important data sources of smart grids,phasor measurement unit(PMU)is facing the high risk from attacks.Compared with cyber attacks,global position system(GPS)spoofing attacks(GSAs)are easier to implement because they can be exploited by portable devices,without the need to access the physical system.Therefore,this paper proposes a novel method for pattern recognition of GSA and an additional function of the proposed method is the data correction to the phase angle difference(PAD)deviation.Specifically,this paper analyzes the effect of GSA on PMU measurement and gives two common patterns of GSA,i.e.,the step attack and the ramp attack.Then,the method of estimating the PAD deviation across a transmission line introduced by GSA is proposed,which does not require the line parameters.After obtaining the estimated PAD deviations,the pattern of GSA can be recognized by hypothesis tests and correlation coefficients according to the statistical characteristics of the estimated PAD deviations.Finally,with the case studies,the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated,and the success rate of the pattern recognition and the online performance of the proposed method are analyzed.