Horizontal crustal deformation in Chinese Mainland analyzed by CMONOC GPS data from 2009-2013

In this study, we analyze the regional GPS data of Crustal Movement Observation Network of China （CMONOC） observed from 2009-2013 using the BERNESE GPS software, and then the preliminary results of horizontal velocity field and strain rate field are presented, which could reflect the overall deformation features in the Chinese mainland from 2009-2013. Besides, the velocity error and the probable factors that could influence the estimate of long-term deformation are also 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.

Characteristics of Recent Horizontal Crustal Movement and Tectonic Deformation in the Northwest China Region

Making use of observation data of GPS in the Northwest China region and infrared distancemeasurements crossing the Qilian-Longshoushan fault zone up to 2004, aided by the least square collocation and inversion of negative dislocation model for the boundaries of elastic blocks and the singular force-source, the dynamic evolution features of deformation and strain fields before and after the Ms = 8. 1 earthquake on the west of Kunlun Mountains Pass, especially the recent tectonic deformation and stress field status three years after this earthquake are studied. The possible regions or segments of active blocks and their boundaries reflecting accumulation background of high strain energy of producing earthquakes over middle magnitude, are obtained, as well as the potential epicenter. The results show that after shortterm relaxation and adjustment in the northern margin of Qinghai-Xizang （Tibet） block after the Ms = 8. 1 earthquake, the main control action of background field of northeastward pushing of Indian plate is now recovering. Moreover, the following regions are found to have the background of high strain energy accumulation. They are the middle segment of the northern Tianshan fault zone and its meeting region with the western segment, the middle and western segments of southern Tianshan fault zone and the meeting region with Western Kunlun fault zone, the middle segment of Altun fault, the middle-eastern segment of Qilianshan fault zone and its meeting region with Haiyuan fault, the meeting region of northern margin fault of west Qinling Range and the southeastward expanding line of Zhuanglanghe fault; The Linze and Haiynan areas also see accumulation of strain energy to some degree.

Preliminary Study on the Horizontal Crustal Deformation in Chinese Continent

In the paper, the current strain field and stress field in Chinese continent have been discussedbased on the processed data from two GPS campaigns of national GPS network carried out inthe years of 1994 and 1996. With a principal compressional strain direction of NNE, thewestern and castern parts of Qinghai-Xizang subplate are dominated by extensional straiu andthe central Part by compressional strain. Along the southwestern segment of southeastern partof Qinghai-Xizang subplate, i. e. Yunnan area, the princiPal compressional strain direction isNW and the compressional strain is equivalent to the extensional strain in magnitude. Theprincipal compressional strain of Xinjiang subplate is mainly NNE and NE with a difference inthe strain magnitude. The principal compressional strain in North China subplate is quite effective in NE and nearly EW directions with differences along some segments. However, thecompressional strain is corresponding to the extensional strain in magnitude in most areas.

The Vertical Deformation and Horizontal Displacement Fields,Movement, and Seismicity of the Island Arc Tectonics

In this work,the vertical deformation,horizontal displacement,and stress fields of arcuate tectonics are theoretically derived from the horizontal tectonic stress; then the characteristics of tectonic movement,seismicity,and focal mechanism of arcuate tectonics of the entire world are explained.It is pointed out that the island arc and other arcuate tectonics are gradually developed under the displacement and stress fields of the arcuate tectonics and that the under-thrusting action of the ocean plate is secondary.The distance formulas between the volcanic arc and the trench are suggested and also that theoretical results are consistent with actual data.

Modelling long-term deformation of granular soils incorporating the concept of fractional calculus

Many constitutive models exist to characterise the cyclic behaviour of granular soils but can only simulate deformations for very limited cycles. Fractional derivatives have been regarded as one potential instrument for modelling memory-dependent phenomena. In this paper, the physical connection between the fractional derivative order and the fractal dimension of granular soils is investigated in detail. Then a modified elasto-plastic constitutive model is proposed for evaluating the long-term deformation of granular soils under cyclic loading by incorporating the concept of fac- tional calculus. To describe the flow direction of granular soils under cyclic loading, a cyclic flow potential consider- ing particle breakage is used. Test results of several types of granular soils are used to validate the model performance.

Investigation on long-term progressive deformation of engineering slope based on comprehensive monitoring

A landslide always results from a progressive process of slope deformation. In recent years, an increasing number of slope instabilities have occurred with regard to human engineering activities such as hydropower or traffic construction in mountainous area, which cause even greater casualties and economic loss compared with the natural hazards. The development of such earth surface process may hold long period with mechanisms still not fully understood. Using monitoring technology is an effective and intuitive approach to assist analyzing the slope deformation process and their driving factors. This study presents an engineering slope excavated during the construction of Changheba Hydropower Station, which is located in the upper reaches of Dadu River, Sichuan Province, southwest China. The engineering slope experienced and featured a five-year continuous deformation which caused continuous high risks to the engineering activities. We conducted in-depth analysis for such a long-term deformation process based on ground and subsurface monitoring data, collected successive data with a series of monitoring equipment such as automated total station, borehole inclinometers and other auxiliary apparatus, and identified the deformation process based on the comprehensive analysis of monitoring data as well as field investigation. After analyzing the effects of engineering activities and natural factors on the continuous deformation, we found that the overburden strata provided deformable mass while the excavation-produced steep terrain initiated the slope deformation in limit equilibrium state over a long period of time;afterwards, the intense rainwater accelerated slope deformation in the rainy season.

Research on deformation velocity in dynamic surface subsidence deformation

The whole process of dynamic surface subsidence deformation was divided into three stages as subsidence development, full subsidence and subsidence attenuation, and a new concept “deformation velocity in surface subsidence” was also put forward. The emphasis was placed on the research on development and variation laws of deformation velocity in surface tilt and horizontal deformation velocity on strike main profile during the stage of dynamic full subsidence. What’s more, the dangerous periods of buildings liable to be damaged were given as well.

Novel experimental techniques to assess the time-dependent deformations of geosynthetics under soil confinement

A new experimental approach to assess the impact of soil confinement on the long-term behavior of geosynthetics is presented in this paper.The experimental technique described herein includes a novel laboratory apparatus and the use of different types of tests that allow generation of experimental data suitable for evaluation of the time-dependent behavior of geosynthetics under soil confinement.The soil-geosynthetic interaction equipment involves a rigid box capable of accommodating a cubic soil mass under plane strain conditions.A geosynthetic specimen placed horizontally at the mid-height of the soil mass is subjected to sustained vertical pressures that,in turn,induce reinforcement axial loads applied from the soil to the geosynthetic.Unlike previously reported studies on geosynthetic behavior under soil confinement,the equipment was found to be particularly versatile.With minor setup modifications,not only interaction tests but also in-isolation geosynthetic stress relaxation tests and soil-only tests under a constant strain rate can be conducted using the same device.Also,the time histories of the reinforcement loads and corresponding strains are generated throughout the test.Results from typical tests conducted using sand and a polypropylene woven geotextile are presented to illustrate the proposed experimental approach.The testing procedure was found to provide adequate measurements during tests,including good repeatability of test results.The soilegeosynthetic interaction tests were found to lead to increasing geotextile strains with time and decreasing reinforcement tension with time.The test results highlighted the importance of measuring not only the time history of displacements but also that of reinforcement loads during testing.The approach of using different types of tests to analyze the soilegeosynthetic interaction behavior is an innovation that provides relevant insight into the impact of soil confinement on the time-dependent deformations of geosynthetics.

Three-dimensional consolidation deformation analysis of porous layered soft soils considering asymmetric effects

Long-term settlements for underground structures, such as tunnels and pipelines, are generally observed after the completion of construction in soft clay. The soil consolidation characteristic has great influences on the long-term deformation for underground structures. A three-dimensional consolidation analysis method under the asymmetric loads is developed for porous layered soil based on Biot's classical theory. Time-displacement effects can be fully considered in this work and the analytical solutions are obtained by the state space approach in the Cartesian coordinate. The Laplace and double Fourier integral transform are applied to the state variables in order to reduce the partial differential equations into algebraic differential equations and easily obtain the state space solution. Starting from the governing equations of saturated porous soil, the basic relationship of state space variables is established between the ground surface and the arbitrary depth in the integral transform domain. Based on the continuity conditions and boundary conditions of the multi-layered pore soil model, the multi-layered pore half-space solutions are obtained by means of the transfer matrix method and the inverse integral transforms. The accuracy of proposed method is demonstrated with existing classical solutions. The results indicate that the porous homogenous soils as well as the porous non-homogenous layered soils can be considered in this proposed method. When the consolidation time factor is 0.01, the value of immediate consolidation settlement coefficient calculated by the weighted homogenous solution is 27.4% bigger than the one calculated by the non-homogeneity solution. When the consolidation time factor is 0.05, the value of excess pore water pressure for the weighted homogenous solution is 27.2% bigger than the one for the non-homogeneity solution. It is shown that the material non-homogeneity has a great influence on the long-term settlements and the dissipation process of excess pore water pressure.

Analyses of Crustal Deformation, Strain Field and Risk of Moderate and Strong Earthquakes in the Shanxi Seismic Belt

Using the four phases (1996～1999) of re-surveying data from the GPS network along the Shanxi fault zone, the recent state of horizontal movement of the fault zone and its relation with the Datong-Yanggao M5.6 earthquake (November 1, 1999), which took place on the north end of the monitored area, are analyzed. In the focal region, three areas with relatively higher strain (1×10 -6) appeared in Xinzhou and to the northeast of Jiexiu. The Shanxi fault zone is mainly controlled by the WNW-ESE-trending compressive stress field and the NNE-SSW-trending tensile stress field, and it does not have strike-slip movement. When examined for long-term tendency, attention should be paid to the junctures between the three moving elements.

GPS monitoring and analysis of ground movement and deformation induced by transition from open-pit to underground mining

To trace the potential hazards of open-pit slope in Longshou mine,global positioning system（GPS） is applied to monitoring ground movement and deformation induced by transition from open-pit to underground mining.Through long-term monitoring from 2003 to 2008,huge amounts of data were acquired.Monitoring results show that large-scale ground movement and deformation have occurred in mining area,and the movement area is ellipse-shaped.The displacement boundary of settlement trough is 2.0 km long along the exploratory line,and 1.5 km long along the strike of ore body.GPS monitoring results basically agree with the practical deformation state of open-pit slope.It is indicated that the long-term GPS monitoring is an effective way to understand the mechanism of ground movement and deformation in mine area. 更多

Establishment of the GPS Monitoring Network in North China, the Relation of Horizontal Crustal Movement to Stress Field and Seismicity

In the paper, the establishment, measurement, data-processing program and monitoring accuracy of the GPS seismic monitoring network in North China, especially in the Capital-Circle area, have been presented briefly. The relation of horizontal crustal deformation to tectonic movement, stress-field variation and seismicity has been analyzed in detail. The results indicate that the accuracy of GPS measurement has reached the order of 10-9 and the annual rate of horizontal crustal deformation in North China is about 4 ~5 mm. Horizontal crustal movement is a direct indication of the regional stress field. Therefore, by monitoring the time-sequence variation of horizontal crustal motion, it would be possible to investigate the change in the stress field, to analyze the tendency of seismicity and to determine the seismogenic zones.

Calculation of the Limiting Deformation in Stopping-and-Filling by the Finite Element Method and its Influence Upon the Packed Volumn

The stability of buildings on the surface will be influenced by underground mining. For the purposes of safe mining and buildings protecting around mining area, the rock and sod distortion should be forecasted. By using the results of the elastic-finite-element method simulation, we can calculate the tilting, horizontal deformation and curvature of the surface and the strata. Wushan Copper Mine was taken as an example to analyze the reasons of accident and beyond standard limit, and the influence on the safety of the packed volumn.

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.

Numerical analysis of contemporary hori-zontal tectonic deformation fields in China from GPS data

Assuming that the contemporary tectonic activity in China can be treated as continuous, we have simulated 1245 present-day multiple-epoch GPS velocity solutions in the range of Chinese mainland, Mongolia, Myanma, India, Nepal and Himalayas with a bi-cubic spline interpolation function to inverse the integral horizontal velocity with the fitting accuracy less than 3 mm and obtained the strain rate fields in Chinese mainland. We have also analyzed the characteristics of spatial distribution of horizontal deformation and strain rate fields in Chinese mainland. The result shows that the analysis on the continuous deformation in the large-scale and dense GPS velocity fields can reveal not only the integral tectonic characters of Chinese mainland but also the tectonic characters in local regions. Generally, the magnitude and intensity of horizontal tectonic deformation have a mutation in the South-North Seismic Belt (95°E-102°E), which is stronger in the west than the east and stronger in the south than the north. Large strain rates are found in the areas as Kunlun block, Xianshuihe fault zone and central Yunnan, and the variation of velocity is very rapid. At the same time, the tectonic activity is relatively calm on Altyn Tagh fault zone, and extensive strain is found in the eastern part of central Tianshan.

Influences of the heterogeneity of viscoelastic medium on postseismic deformation of the 2008 M_(W) 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake

The study of postseismic deformation is important for constraining the viscoelastic properties of the Earth and inverting the post-earthquake process.The levelling survey revealed that the area near Bei-chuan elevated 5.3 cm about two years after the M_(W) 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake(05/12/2008),during which the area underwent significant downward movement.The GPS horizontal displacements showed a non-monotonic variation after the Wenchuan earthquake.In this study,a 3-D viscoelastic finite element model is employed to simulate the coseismic and postseismic deformation of the Wenchuan earthquake.The numerical simulations show that the lateral heterogeneity across the Longmenshan fault plays an important role in the postseismic displacements.The results reveal that the coseismic defor-mation is not sensitive to the horizontal heterogeneity,but the postseismic deformation is sensitive to it.The postseismic deformation of the horizontally heterogeneous model is generally consistent with the observations of all geodetic surveys,such as GPS,InSAR and levelling,but not for the horizontally homogenous model.We also find that the non-monotonous variation of the postseismic deformation of the Wenchuan earthquake could be explained by a viscoelastic relaxation model with lateral heterogeneous medium across the Longmenshan fault.

RECENT TECTONIC DEFORMATION ANOMALY AND EARTHQUAKES IN GANSU-NINGXIA-QINGHAI AREA

By processing and analyzing geodetic data of vertical deformation, fault deformation and horizontal deformation by GPS in Gansu Ningxia Qinghai area and by comparing them with geological structures and many medium to strong earthquake activities in this area, some features of recent tectonic deformation anomaly and the development of medium to strong earthquakes are studied. The results show that: ①Near the main faults tectonic deformations are relatively large. The amount of vertical movement and the deformation status evolve with time. The horizontal movement and deformation show obvious compressional strike slip character. ②The dominant stress of tectonic deformation and seismic development in this area comes from the persistent northeastward compression of Qinghai Tibet block;The time spatial distribution evolution of tectonic deformation and seismic activities are closely related to dynamic evolution of block motion and regional tectonic stress field. ③The abnormal uplift and high gradient deformation belts and remarkable fault deformation anormaly on the borders of regional tectonic blocks are indicators of developing moderate to strong earthquakes but earthquakes may not necessarily take place in the position of maxium deformation, it usually occurred in the region where fault deformation anormaly shows “trend accumulation acceleration turn ” variation character or nearby. On the basis of above study, a preliminary prediction for strong earthquake risk in this area is given.

Present-day horizontal deformation status of continental China and its driving mechanism

Based on velocity data of 933 GPS sites and using the methods of Ordinary Kriging interpolation and shape function derivation, this study has obtained the strain rate field of continental China in the spherical coordinates. In comparison with previous research results, it is found that such a strain rate field can be described by both the continuous deformation and block motions in the continent. The Tibetan Plateau and Tianshan region are characterized by continuous deformation which is distributed across the whole area. Within the blocks of South China, Tarim, Ordos, and Northeast China, little crustal deformation and deformation occurs primarily on the faults along their boundaries, which can be explained by the model of block motion. In other regions, such as the Yinshan-Yanshan block, North China block, and East Shandong-Yellow Sea, deformation patterns can be explained by both models. Besides, from southwest to northeast of continental China, there are three remarkable extensional zones of NW trending. These results imply that the NNE directed push of the India plate is the primary driving force accounting for the internal deformation of continental China. It produces the uplift, hori-zontal shortening and vertical thickening of the Tibetan Plateau as well as radiation-like material extru-sion. Of these extruded materials, one part accommodates the eastward "escape" of other blocks, generating convergence and compression of western China and widespread extension and local com-plicated deformation in eastern China under the joint action of the surrounding settings. The other part opens a corridor between the South China block and Tibetan Plateau, flowing toward southeast to the Myanmar range arc and filling the gap there which is produced by back-arc extension due to plate subduction.

Long-term stability analysis of large-scale underground plant of Xiangjiaba hydro-power station

Numerical analysis of the optimal supporting time and long-term stability index of the surrounding rocks in the underground plant of Xiangjiaba hydro-power station was carried out based on the rheological theory. Firstly,the mechanical parameters of each rock group were identified from the experimental data; secondly,the rheological calculation and analysis for the cavern in stepped excavation without supporting were made; finally,the optimal time for supporting at the characteristic point in a typical section was obtained while the creep rate and displacement after each excavation step has satisfied the criterion of the optimal supporting time. Excavation was repeated when the optimal time for supporting was identified,and the long-term stability creep time and the maximum creep deformation of the characteristic point were determined in accordance with the criterion of long-term stability index. It is shown that the optimal supporting time of the characteristic point in the underground plant of Xiangjiaba hydro-power station is 5-8 d,the long-term stability time of the typical section is 126 d,and the corresponding largest creep deformation is 24.30 mm. While the cavern is supported,the cavern deformation is significantly reduced and the stress states of the surrounding rock masses are remarkably improved.