Gravity evolution and earthquake activities of the northeastern edge of Qinghai-Xizang block

The relationship between temporal-spatial evolution of gravity and earthquake activity during 1992~2001 has been analyzed systematically by integrally adjusting the gravity observation data of the northeastern edge of Qinghai- Xizang (Qingzang) block. The result shows that the gravity observation data of the northeastern edge of Qingzang block obtained by using the uniform starting datum can completely reflect the precursory gravity information appearing during the seismogenic process. In the genesis stage of an earthquake, regional gravity anomaly appears in a large area, resulting in related local gravity anomaly. The dynamic image of gravity field can clearly reflect the orderly evolution and earthquake activity.

The Present Space-Time Motion and Deformation Features of the Northeastern Margin of the Qinghai-Xizang(Tibet) Block and Its Adjacent Area

On the basis of Discontinuous Deformation Analysis (DDA), and considering the moderate intrusion of specific block boundaries to different extents, the first-order block motion model is established for the northeastern margin of Qinghai-Xizang(Tibet) block and the kinematical model for depicting deformation of small regions as well by using GPS observations of three periods (1991, 1999 and 2001). By simulating, we obtained the motion features of the first-order blocks between the large WWN faults on the sides of the studied region, the distribution features of the principal strain rate field and the inhomogeneous motion features with space-time of the faults in the northern boundary of the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) block.

The Silurian A-Type Granites in Northeastern Guangxi,South China Block:New Evidence of Transition from Compression to Post-orogenic Extension of the Kwangsian Orogen

Objective More and more evidence suggests that the Kwangsian orogen is probably an intraplate orogen, which is one of the few examples of intraplate orogenesis worldwide. However, the initiation time, size and scope of the Kwangsian orogeny have not been determined yet. This study analyzed the Silurian A-type granites in northeastern Guangxi, South China Block, which may provide new evidence for the transition from compression to post- orogenic extension of the Kwangsian orogen.

Present-day tectonic movement in the northeastern margin of the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibetan) plateau as revealed by earthquake activity

Characteristics of present-day tectonic movement in the northeastern margin of Qinghai-Xizang plateau (Tibetan) are studied based on earthquake data. Evidence of earthquake activity shows that junctures between blocks in this area consist of complicated deformation zones. Between the Gansu-Qinghai block and Alxa block there is a broad compressive deformation zone, which turns essentially to be a network-like deformation region to the southeast. The Liupanshan region, where the Gansu-Qinghai block contacts the Ordos block, is suffering from NE-SW compressive deformation. Junction zone between the Ordos and Alxa block is a shear zone with sections of variable trend. The northwestern and southeastern marginal region of the Ordos is under NNW-SSE extension. The above characteristics of present-day tectonic deformation of the northeastern Qinghai-Xizang plateau may be attributed to the northeastward squeezing of the plateau and the resistance of the Ordos block, as well as the southeastward extrusion of the plateau materials.

Aseismic negative dislocation model and deformation analysis of crustal horizontal movement during 1999--2001 in the northeast margin of Qinghai-Xizang block

Through numerical simulation for GPS data, aseismic negative dislocation model for crustal horizontal movement during 1999~2001 in the northeast margin of Qinghai-Xizang block is presented, combined with the spatial distribution of apparent strain field in this area, the characteristics of motion and deformation of active blocks and their boundary faults, together with the place and intensity of strain accumulation are analyzed. It is shown that: a) 9 active blocks appeared totally clockwise motion from eastward by north to eastward by south. Obvious sinistral strike-slip and NE-NEE relative compressive motion between the blocks separated by Qilianshan-Haiyuan fault zone was discovered; b) 20 fault segments (most of them showed compression) locked the relative motion between blocks to varying degrees, among the total, the mid-east segment of Qilianshan fault (containing the place where it meets Riyueshan-Lajishan fault) and the place where it meets Haiyuan fault and Zhuanglanghe fault, more favored accumulation of strain. Moreover, the region where Riyueshan-Lajishan fault meets north boundary of Qaidam block may have strain accumulation to some degree. c) Obtained magnitude of block velocities and locking of their boundaries were less than relevant results for observation in the period of 1993~1999.

Crustal structure of northeastern Tibetan plateau and Ordos block:Waveform interpretation of the Maqen-Jingbian seismic refraction profile

The Maqen-Jingbian wide-angle seismic reflection and refraction experiment was carried out in 1998, which aims at determining detailed structure in the crust and top of the upper mantle and understanding structural relation between the northeastern Tibetan plateau and the Ordos block. The 1-D crustal models inferred by waveform inversion show strong variations in crustal structure, which can be classified into four different types： ① an Ordos platform with the Proterozoic crust and two high-velocity layers in the northeast section, ② a transitional crust between the northeastern Tibetan plateau and the Ordos block across the Haiyuan earthquake zone, ③ the Qilian orogenic zone in the central part, and ④ the Qinling orogenic zone in the southwestern section. The Moho depth increases from -42 km to -62 km from the NE part to the SW part of the profile. The crystalline crust consists of the upper crust and lower crust in northeastern Tibetan plateau. There is an obviously low P-wave velocity layer dipping northeastward, which is 12-13 km thick, at the bottom of the upper crust in Qinling orogenic zone and Haiyuan earthquake zone. The lower crust is characterized by alternating high and low P-wave velocity layers. Beneath Ordos block, i.e., the NE part of the profile, the crust shows quite a smooth increase in P-wave ve- locity down to the Moho at a depth of about 42 km.

Neoproterozoic-Paleozoic Tectonic Evolution of the Northeastern Tarim Block： Constraints from ^40Ar/^39Ar Geochronology in the Kuluketage Area, NW China

Seventeen new ^40Ar/^39Ar analyses reported for ten Tarim Precambrian basement samples from the Kuluketage area, are applied to reconstruct the regional thermo-tectonic history together with previously published data. Eight samples were taken adjacent to the Xingdi and Xinger faults, major structures in the study area, whereas a further two were sampled at some distance from the faults. 4^40Ar/^39Ar data from the latter record rapid cooling following a Neoproterozoic magmatic/metamorphic event and mild Paleozoic thermal disturbance. Paleozoic ^40Ar/^39Ar ages from the study area, as well as from the Central Tianshan and eastern Southern Tianshan suggest two strong deformational periods at ~390 Ma and ~300 Ma. During the older period, argon isotopic systems were reset/disturbed by high temperature related to arc magmatism resulting from subduction of the South Tianshan paleo-oceanic crust, possibly in combination with reactivation of Precambrian faults. The younger period is characterized by widespread late Carboniferous-early Permian intracontinental deformation, which is related to the final amalgamation of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Previously published apatite fission track data attest to a long history of post-collisional cooling, which is attributed to continued propagation of deformation within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.

Modeling the Dynamic Gravity Variations of Northeastern Margin of Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Plateau by Using Bicubic Spline Interpolation Function

In this paper, the spatial-temporal gravity variation patterns of the northeastern margin of Qinghal-Xizang （Tibet） Plateau in 1992 - 2001 are modeled using bicubic spline interpolation functions and the relations of gravity change with seismicity and tectonic movement are discussed preliminarily. The results show as follows： ① Regional gravitational field changes regularly and the gravity abnormity zone or gravity concentration zone appears in the earthquake preparation process; ②In the significant time period, the gravity variation shows different features in the northwest, southeast and northeast parts of the surveyed region respectively, with Lanzhou as its boundary;③The gravity variation distribution is basically identical to the strike of tectonic fault zone of the region, and the contour of gravity variation is closely related to the fault distribution.

Earthquake Activity Features Before Earthquakes with M_S≥7.0 in the Central-Northern Qinghai-Xizang(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.

Correlated Features of Horizontal Movement-Deformation on the North and East Margins of the Qinghai-Xizang Block before the Kunlun Earthquake with M_S=8.1

The high-precision GPS data observed from the northeast margin of the Qinghai-Xizang （Tibet） block and the Sichuan-Yunnan GPS monitoring areas in 1991 （1993）, 1999 and 2001 revealed that： before the Kunlun earthquake with Ms =8.1 on November 14, 2001, the dynamic variation features of horizontal movement-deformation field in the north and east marginal tectonic areas of the Qinghai-Xizang （Tibet） block had some correlated features. That is to say, under the general background of inherited movement, the movement intensifies in the two areas weakened synchronously and the state of deformation changed when the great earthquake was impending. Analysis and study in connection with geological structures showed that before the Kunlun Ms8.1 earthquake, the correlated variations of movement-deformation on the boundaries of Qinghai-Xizang （Tibet） block were related to the disturbing stress field caused by the extensive and rapid stress-strain accumulation in the late stage of large earthquake preparation. Owing to the occurrence of large earthquake inside the block, the release of large amount of strain energy, and the adjustment of tectonic stress field, in relevant structural positions （especially zones not penetrated by historical strong earthquake ruptures） in boundary zones where larger amount of strain energy was accumulated, stress-strain may be further accumulated or else released through rupture.

Study on the Anomaly of Small Earthquake Activity Before Moderate-strong Earthquake in the Northeast Margin of the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Block

26 earthquakes with MS ≥5. 0 have been recorded in the northeast margin of the Qinghai- Xizang (Tibet) block since 1980,22 of which were relatively independent of other moderate- strong earthquakes. Research on the increase of small earthquake activity before the 22 moderate-strong earthquakes has indicated that small earthquake activity was enhanced before 17 of the moderate-strong earthquakes. Though the increased seismicity is a common phenomenon in the northeast margin of the Qinghai-Xizang ( Tibet ) block,we have difficulty in predicting the moderate-strong earthquakes by this phenomenon. In order to predict the moderate-strong earthquakes through the increased seismicity of small earthquakes,this paper attempts to propose a new method, which calculates small earthquake frequency through the change of distribution pattern of small earthquakes, based on the characteristics of small earthquake activity in the northeastern Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) block,and then make primary applications. The result shows that we are able to obtain obvious anomalies in the frequency of small earthquakes before moderate strong earthquakes through the new method,with little spatial range effect on the amplitude of this small earthquake frequency anomaly. We can obtain mid to short-term anomaly indices for moderate-strong earthquakes in the northeast margin of the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) block.

Study on Statistical Features About Weak Earthquake Activity Before Moderately Strong Earthquakes in the Middle Northern Part of the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Block

In regards to the earthquakes recording M ≥ 5.0 that occurred in middle northern part of the Qinghai-Xizang （Tibet） Block from 1970 - 2003, in this study we describe the temporal and spatial centralization features of the weak earthquakes and the enhancement and anomalous quiescence of their seismic activity before main shocks through 4 parameters, which are basically not correlated： earthquake time centralization degree parameter Ct, earthquake space centralization degree parameter Cd, η value and weak earthquake frequency and so on. On the basis of calculation results, it has been seen that before earthquakes with M ≥ 5.0 took place in the middle northern part of the Qinghal-Xizang （Tibet） Block, the frequency of weak earthquakes often shows ascent and drop, their strength shows an obvious enhancement and the centralization distribution with time and space is evident.

Macro-Analysis on Across-Fault Crustal Deformation Measurement Data Along the Northern Edge of the Qinghai-Xizang Block

Based on the arrangement of the across-fault measurement data along the northern edge of the Qinghai-Xizang block,we divide the deformation into different types and probe the nature of various fault movements based on these types.The recent situation of tectonic movement of main structural belts and seismicity in this area are expounded.From the above,it is concluded that across-fault measurement can reflect not only the conditions of fault movement nearby but also the change of regional stress fields; not only is this a method to obtain regional seismogenic information and to conduct short-term prediction but it is also involved with large scale space-time prediction of moderate and strong earthquakes on the basis of the macro characteristics of fractures.

Effects of the February 12,2014 M_S 7.3 Yutian Earthquake on Seismicity of the Northeastern Edge of Qinghai-Tibetan Block

First of all,using the GPS velocity field from campaign GPS measurements implemented by CMONC( C hina Crustal Movement Observation) a nd TEONC( C hina Tectonic Environment Observation Networks) u p to 2013, w e analyzed the background of regional crustal horizontal movement and deformation before the M S7. 3 Yutian,Xinjiang earthquake on February 12,2014. Then,by comparing this to the vertical movement from leveling measurements,we studied the crustal movement deformation and the state of strain accumulation on the northeastern edge of Qinghai-Tibetan block.Finally,we investigated the possible effects on the earthquake activity of the northeastern edge of Tibet from the M S7. 3 Yutian earthquake. The result indicates that,the M S7. 3Yutian earthquake occurred against the background of strong tectonic movement and intensive intracontinental crustal differential movement on the edges of tectonic blocks in western China,and also that it happened in the period of the strong tectonic stress field in Qinghai-Tibetan block and its edges. The sinistral strike-slip and stress transfer of the Yutian M S7. 3 earthquake may accelerate the rupture of fault segments with high strain accumulation at the northeastern edge of Qinghai-Tibetan block( especially in Qilian Mountain fault zone,and border area of Gansu,Qinghai and Sichuan provinces on the south of western Qinling).

Effect of Kunlun Ms 8.1 earthquake on crustal deformation in northeastern edge region of Qinghal-Tibet plateau

Seismic fault parameters can be inversed with Okada model based on deformation data before and after earthquakes in focal region and its adjacent area. Co-seismic displacements can be simulated by using these parameters,and then regional velocity field obtained by deducting the co-seismic displacements from the observed displacements by GPS method. We processed and analyzed the data in the northeastern edge region of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau observed during 2001 -2003 in two steps： firstly, the displacements generated by Kunlun MsS. 1 earthquake of 2001 in this region was simulated, and secondly, deducted the co-seismic displacements from it and obtained the horizontal crustal velocity field. The results reveal ： 1 ） the effect of Kunlun Ms8.1 earthquake on crustal deformation in this region is significant; 2 ）the velocity field obtained with this method is better than the original GPS velocity field in reflecting the status of regional crustal movement and strain.

Age and geochemistry of the granitoid from the Lunte area,Northeastern Zambia:Implications for magmatism of the Columbia supercontinent

The Paleoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the Bangweulu Block has long been controversial.Paleoproterozoic granites consisting of the basement complex of the Bangweulu Block are widely exposed in northeastern Zambia,and they are the critical media for studying the tectonic evolution of the Bangweulu Block.This study systematically investigated the petrography,zircon U-Pb chronology,and petrogeochemistry of the granitoid extensively exposed in the Lunte area,northeastern Zambia.The results show that the granitoid in the area formed during 2051±13-2009±20 Ma as a result of Paleoproterozoic magmatic events.Geochemical data show that the granites in the area mainly include syenogranites and monzogranites of high-K calc-alkaline series and are characterized by high SiO2 content(72.68%‒73.78%)and K_(2)O/Na_(2)O ratio(1.82‒2.29).The presence of garnets,the high aluminum saturation index(A/CNK is 1.13‒1.21),and the 1.27%‒1.95%of corundum molecules jointly indicate that granites in the Lunte area are S-type granites.Rare earth elements in all samples show a rightward inclination and noticeably negative Eu-anomalies(δEu=0.16‒0.40)and are relatively rich in light rare earth elements.Furthermore,the granites are rich in large ion lithophile elements such as Rb,Th,U,and K and are depleted in Ba,Sr,and high field strength elements such as Ta and Nb.In addition,they bear low contents of Cr(6.31×10^(−6)‒10.8×10^(−6)),Ni(2.87×10^(−6)‒4.76×10^(−6)),and Co(2.62×10^(−6)‒3.96×10^(−6)).These data lead to the conclusion that the source rocks are meta-sedimentary rocks.Combining the above results and the study of regional tectonic evolution,the authors suggest that granitoid in the Lunte area were formed in a tectonic environment corresponding to the collision between the Tanzania Craton and the Bangweulu Block.The magmatic activities in this period may be related to the assembly of the Columbia supercontinent.

Lateral variation of Pn velocity beneath northeastern marginal region of Qinghai- Xizang plateau

Pn arrival time data are collected from the bulletins of both national and regional seismological network in China. These data are tomographically inverted to map the lateral variation and anisotropy of Pn velocity in the northeast-ern marginal region of Qinghai-Xizang plateau. The average Pn velocity in this region is 8.09 km/s, being a little higher than the average for whole China. Higher velocity is found in tectonically stable Qaidam basin, while lower velocity is seen in and around tectonically active Shanxi graben. The region where the 1920 Haiyuan great earth-quake occurred shows a slightly low Pn velocity. A noticeable result is that, differing from the tectonically com-pressive Tianshan region, where Pn velocity is low, the Qilianshan region, where the Neotectonic deformation is also primarily compressive, shows high Pn velocity. In the uppermost mantle beneath the Ordos plateau Pn veloc-ity is inhomogeneous, varying from higher velocity in southwestern part to lower one in northeastern part. This may be attributed to possible movement of the Ordos block, as there are strong earthquakes all around the block.

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.

华北克拉通中西部及周边地区瑞利面波相速度方位各向异性

利用“中国科学台阵探测”项目的密集流动台站以及区域固定台站的地震面波记录,采用程函面波成像方法,得到了华北克拉通中西部及周边地区14~100 s周期高分辨率的瑞利面波相速度方位各向异性分布图像.结果显示,鄂尔多斯块体内部中长周期(20~100 s)为大范围高速和弱各向异性分布特征,但在块体西南部区域各向异性明显增强,向东可一直延伸至108°E附近.我们认为,受青藏高原影响,鄂尔多斯块体西南部岩石圈已发生明显变形,高原扩张对鄂尔多斯块体的影响超出了止于六盘山逆冲推覆带的传统认识.在鄂尔多斯块体内部,长周期(80~100 s)的相速度显示高速区向中部和东南部区域收缩,各向异性强度在高速区外围明显增强,揭示了块体边界带的岩石圈在后期构造活动过程中已遭受不同程度的变形改造,厚度发生了不同程度的减薄.山西断陷带北部大同火山区附近,在20 s以上周期为显著低速异常,不同周期段各向异性存在明显差异,我们推测该区不同深度的各向异性差异与鄂尔多斯块体东北部岩石圈不同深度的几何形态以及青藏高原远程挤压效应有关.山西断陷带中南部区域,在20~60 s周期显示高速和近EW向快波方向,与鄂尔多斯块体中东部高速区具有较好的连续性,认为该区岩石圈仍保留部分原有华北克拉通岩石圈的属性.青藏高原东北缘地区不同周期相速度表现为明显的低速异常,快波方向呈现较为一致的NWW-SEE向分布特征,揭示了在高原下方壳幔介质变形连续一致,符合岩石圈垂直连贯变形模式.