Relocation of the M_S≥2.0 Earthquakes in the Northern Tianshan Region, Xinjiang, Using the Double-Difference Earthquake Relocation Algorithm

We applied the double-difference earthquake relocation algorithm to 1348 earthquakes with M_S≥2.0 that occurred in the northern Tianshan region, Xinjiang, from April 1988 to June 2003, using a total of 28701 P- and S-wave arrival times recorded by 32 seismic stations in Xinjiang. Aiming to obtain most of these M_S≥2.0 earthquakes relocations, and considering the requirements of the DD method and the condition of data, we added the travel time data of another 437 earthquakes with 1.5≤M_S<2.0. Finally, we obtained the relocation results for 1253 earthquakes with M_S≥2.0, which account for 93% of all the 1348 earthquakes with M_S≥2.0 and includes all the M_S≥3.0 earthquakes. The reason for not relocating the 95 earthquakes with 2.0≤M_S<3.0 is analyzed in the paper. After relocation, the RMS residual decreased from 0.83s to 0.14s, the average error is 0.993 km in E-W direction, 1.10 km in N-S direction, and 1.33 km in vertical direction. The hypocenter depths are more convergent than before and distributed from 5 km to 35 km, with 94% being from 5km to 35 km, 68.2% from 10 km to 25 km. The average hypocenter depth is 19 km.

Features of seismicity in Xinjiang and its possible reason after the Yutian M_S7.4 earthquake,2008

The paper discusses quantitatively the influence of the Yutian Ms7.4 earthquake of March 21, 2008 and Wuqia Ms6.9 earthquake of October 5, 2008 on regional seismicity in Xinjiang, and explains primarily the possible reason of earthquake activity feature in Xinjiang after the Yutian Ms7.4 earthquake by analyzing the static Coulomb failure stress change produced by the Yutian Ms7.4 earthquake and Wuqia Ms6.9 earth-quake, and the seismicity feature of Ms≥3 earthquakes in the positive Coulomb stress change region of Kashi-Wuqia joint region, the central segment of Tianshan Mountain and Kalpin block. The result shows that the Yutian Ms7.4 earthquake of March 21, 2008, may encourage the Wuqia Ms6.9 earth-quake of October 5, 2008, and the Yutian Ms7.4 earthquake and Wuqia Ms6.9 earthquake may change the seismicity state in the central segment of Tianshan Mountain, Kalpin block and Kashi-Wuqia joint region, and encourage the subsequent Ms≥3 earthquakes.

Analysis on Characteristics of the Hazards of the 2015 Pishan Ms 6.5 Earthquake in Xinjiang

The disaster area of the Pishan M_S6.5 earthquake in 2015 is located in the southern margin of the Tarim Basin,where the natural condition are harsh,and the economy is extremely backward.Moreover,because of a large number of residential housing with poor seismic performance in the disaster area,the damage and economic losses are serious.Since the most disaster area is located in the piedmont overflow,with poor site conditions such as shallow groundwater level and soil foundation,the magnifying effect of ground motion has a significant impact on the damage.In conclusion,we believe that investment in antiearthquake housing projects should be increased in post disaster reconstruction.Furthermore,for the north of the disaster area,with the dense population,poor conditions like soft soil foundation and poor engineering geological conditions,we recommend that in the future construction of anti-earthquake housing projects,more attention should be paid to strengthen the foundation treatment and precaution measures.

Study on the Source Parameters of Earthquakes in the Middle Eastern Area of North Tianshan in Xinjiang

By applying the empirical Green’s function method, we first proved that the source spectra in the middle eastern area of North Tianshan follow the ω -2 Brune model, and then, on this basis, obtained the source spectra for 105 earthquakes of ML 2.5～5.7 in the studied area upon removing the noise, instrument, propagation and site effects in the observational seismic S waveforms. Finally, we determined the source parameters such as the seismic moment, stress drop, source dimension, etc., based on the Brune model. The results show that there is a good linear correlation between scalar seismic moment, M0, and ML, which is Log 10 M0=1.10 ML + 17.20; The source radii range between 100～1500m; the stress drop, 1～16MPa with a predominant range of 1～10MPa. The relationship of the seismic moment versus corner frequencies indicates that there may exist two source scaling, that is, when M0<4×10 21 dyne5cm （equal to an ML4.0 event）, stress drop is weakly dependent on M0; whereas, when M0>4×10 21 dyne5cm, stress drop is independent of M0.

Study on relationship between features of strain anomaly obtained by borehole strain meter at Wushi station in Xinjiang and strong earthquake: Taking Jiashi MS = 6.8 earthquake as an example

The borehole strain meter at Wushi station recorded obvious anomaly before Jiashi MS= 6.8 earthquake occurred on February 24, 2003. Its features are as follows. j Anomaly types are complete. The trend anomaly, short-term anomaly, short-imminent anomaly and exponential anomaly appeared 19 months, 56 days, 4 days, and more than 1 month before the event, respectively; k Anomaly is large in magnitude. The maximal magnitude of strain anomaly is 1.7×10?5, which is rare in the past 20-year observation records at Wushi station; l Strain rate fluctuates sharply with obvious alternation of tension and compression. According to the magnitude of strain anomaly, time of expo- nential anomaly appearance and regional features of recorded anomaly, we could predict the magnitude, occur- rence time and potential region to a certain degree.

Analysis of the Wave Velocity Ratio Anomalies in the Tianshan Region of Xinjiang

Based on the seismic observation report data provided by the Xinjiang Digital Seismic Network from 2009 to 2014,we calculate the wave velocity ratio and its background value for medium and small earthquakes by using the multi-station method in Tianshan,Xinjiang.This paper analyzes the variation of the wave velocity ratio disturbance value to highlight the abnormal,and also back-traces 7 moderate earthquakes at the research area.The results show that:(1)the background value of the wave velocity ratio is almost 1.70,the wave velocity ratio obviously decreases in the middle-eastern part of Tianshan and the region near the Puchang fault;(2)the wave velocity ratio disturbance value is mostly low in the epicenter before four earthquakes of M≥5.0 from 2011 to 2013 in the study area;(3)before 7 moderate strong earthquakes,the earthquake events with low value of the wave velocity ratio account for over 60% of corresponding total events near the epicenters,and the low value of the wave velocity ratio is relatively obvious before moderate earthquakes.

Study on the Precise Location of the Xinjiang Yutian M_S7.3 Earthquake

The seismic waveform of the Yutian MS7.3 earthquake,Xinjiang on February 12,2014 was recorded clearly and completely by the Digital Seismic Networks of Xinjiang,Qinghai,Tibet,and Xinjiang Hotan array,so the method of joint location by regional seismic network and seismic array can be used to accurately determine the earthquake source location.The following technologies were used in the process of location:(1) We selected seismic stations equally located around the epicenter of the MS7.3 earthquake with an average interval of about 15 degrees in the initial location.(2) The recording waveforms of Yutian seismic station were rotated to the radial and tangential directions to precisely obtain the arrival time of S-waves to determine the epicentral distance.(3) The velocity model was used in the determination of location of the epicenter,based on the historical records of earthquakes in the area within a radius of 1.0° from the source as the center,and the velocity model is obtained after re-fitting and calibration.(4) Based on the waveform records of the Hotan seismic array,the method of waveform beaming was used to determine the azimuths and perform the correction of the epicenter location with these azimuths.(5) The deterministic method was used to measure the source depth.Finally,it is concluded that the Yutian MS7.3 main shock hypocenter location is 36.197°N,82.467°E,focal depth 12 km and original time 17:19:48.2 p.m.February 12,2014.

Variation Characteristics of Focal Mechanisms of Small Earthquakes before Four Strong Earthquakes in Xinjiang

With the point source dislocation model and the velocity structure of a layered medium,focal mechanisms of small earthquakes are calculated using the maximum amplitude of the direct P- and S-waves in the vertical component. By system clustering,and using the vector synthesis method,the average focal mechanism solution is obtained. Using the above method,this paper analyzes the variation characteristics of the source ruptures and the P-axis azimuths of small earthquakes around the seismic zones before four strong earthquakes occurring since 2003 in the western part of north Tianshan and the middle part of Tianshan. The result shows that 2 ~ 3 years before the strong earthquakes,the focal mechanism types of small earthquakes are distributed randomly, and obvious dominant distributions are observed one year before the strong earthquakes. There are obvious changes in the P-axis azimuth.

Analysis of Seismic Activity Characteristics before the Yutian M_S7.3 Earthquake,Xinjiang on February 12,2014

This paper introduces the geological structure background around the 2014 Yutian M_S7.3earthquake area,investigates and analyzes the regime of small earthquake activity and the characteristics of regional seismicity pattern in Xinjiang before the earthquake, and compares the characteristics of the regional seismic activity with the 2008 Yutian M_S7.3earthquake. The results show: 1 2 ~ 3 years before the 2014 Yutian M_S7.3 earthquake,Xinjiang was in a seismic active state with strong earthquake occurring successively,and before the 2008 M_S7.3 earthquake,Xinjiang was in the quiet state of moderate-small earthquakes with M3. 0 ~ 4. 0. 2 Before this Yutian M_S7.3 earthquake,the regional seismic activity showed a short-term anomaly feature,that is,seismicity of M ≥ 5. 0earthquakes significantly increased on the Altun seismic zone and in the source area three years before the M_S7.3 earthquake,while a five year long quiescence of seismicity of M≥4. 0 earthquakes appeared on the east of the source area in a range of about 440 km. Six months before this M7. 3 earthquake,there existed seismic gap of M3. 0 ~ 4. 0 earthquakes and near-conjugate seismic belt magnitude 3. 0 and 4. 0 in the source area. 3 The state of strong earthquake activity and the seismicity pattern of small earthquakes before this Yutian M_S7.3 earthquake were significantly different to that before the 2008 Yutian M_S7.3earthquake,and this may be related to the different seismogenic environments of the two M_S7.3 earthquakes.

The Characteristics and Cause of Seismic Damage of the Jinghe M5.0 Earthquake in Xinjiang on October 16, 2011

The epicenter of the M5.0 earthquake occurring in Jinghe County, Xinjiang on October 16, 2011, is located in Tuoli Township. The intensity of the meizoseismal area is Ⅵ. The seismic damage investigation shows that the houses are mainly mud-clay style and the seismic damage characteristics take on an obvious regional nature. The damage degree varies relative to the field conditions.

Seismic Sequence Characteristics of the March 21,2008,M_S 7. 4 Yutian,Xinjiang Earthquake and Seismological Anomalies before the Earthquake

The parameters,stress field background,geological tectonics and seismic sequence of the March 21,2008,M_S 7. 4 Yutian,Xinjiang earthquake are discussed in this paper. The characteristics of seismic activity in the epicenter and its adjacent region before the earthquake are analyzed; and a comparison is made between the M_S 7. 4 Yutian earthquake sequence,the Wenchuan M_S 8. 0 earthquake sequence and the Wuqia M_S 6. 9 earthquake sequence. The results show the M_S 7. 4 Yutian earthquake occurred in the junction between the Altyn Tagh fault and the western Kunlun fault,resulting perhaps from the tensile fracture of the branch fault located southwest of the Ashikule basin due to left-1ateral dislocation of the Altyn Tagh fault; the seismic sequence is of main shock-aftershock type, the strongest aftershock being M_S 5. 8. The aftershocks attenuated quickly,and occurred in groups; the focal mechanism solutions and epicenter distribution have revealed a unilateral rupture source of this earthquake. Seismic activity shows that there was medium and medium-short term abnormity before the earthquake,but there was not short-imminent abnormity. Seismic activity of this earthquake sequence enhanced before the M_S 8. 0 Wenchuan and the M_S 6. 9 Wuqia earthquakes,showing the window effect to some extent.

A Statistical Analysis on Tidal Triggering of Earthquakes in the Kashi-Wuqia Intersection Area in Xinjiang

A statistical analysis on earthquake activity in the Kashi-Wuqia intersection area triggered by earth tide is done by Schusters test and the Permutation test on daily and monthly scales. The north-south,east-west component of the tidal force and tidal body stress are chosen as the tidal curve in the daily scale. The results show that most of the earthquakes occurred near the maximum 0° of the three kinds of tidal curves,the predominant tidal phases of the earthquake are- 5. 86°,6. 60° and- 15. 52°,and the frequency of the earthquakes increases with the increase of the tide; with three kinds of tidal curves( the north-south,east-west component of the tidal force and tidal body stress),the p S of Schusters test for all the earthquakes is 10. 52%,2. 40% and 2. 06%,and the p P of the Permutation test is 10. 90%,2. 40% and 2. 06%,and the results of p S and p P based on the east-west component of the tidal force and tidal body stress are below the threshold of 0. 05 that tidal triggering of earthquakes. In the monthly scale,both the p S and p P are very low( close to 0),far below the threshold of 0. 05 of tidal triggering of earthquakes,and the predominant tidal phase for earthquake triggering is- 18. 95°,close to the maximum 0°( new moon and full moon) of the earth tide in monthly scale. Regarding the statistical test result of tidal triggering of earthquakes,a preliminary explanation is given as to why the trigger effect in the east-west direction is greater than that in north-south direction.

Field Investigation of the M_S6.8 Wuqia,Xinjiang Earthquake on October 5,2008

A M S 6.8 earthquake occurred on October 5,2008 in the Wuqia region in Xinjiang.The macroseismic epicenter is situated in the Nula village of the Kyrghyz Republic,7km southwest of the Wuqia Yierkeshitan Port in Xinjiang.The epicenter intensity is Ⅷ degrees (outside borders).The areas of intensity Ⅶ and Ⅵ are 7354km 2 and 1031km 2,respectively.This seismic event is related with movement of the NE-trending Kzikeaerkate fault belt.Buildings in the earthquake-stricken area were damaged or affected to a certain extent by this earthquake,accompanied with some phenomena of geological disaster.

Influence of Surrounding Large Earthquakes on Moderate Earthquake Activity within Xinjiang

Based on the statistical results of the relationship between the large earthquakes surrounding Xinjiang and moderate earthquakes within Xinjiang since 1950,this article calculates the Coulomb failure stress change produced by the three groups of large earthquakes surrounding Xinjiang during the large earthquake active period outside Xinjiang and the quiet period inside Xinjiang from 1976 to 2007,and analyzes Xinjiang's moderate earthquake activity features in the three years after the large earthquakes surrounding Xinjiang. It then discusses the influence of large earthquake activity surrounding Xinjiang on seismic activity within Xinjiang. The research results show that the large earthquake activity surrounding Xinjiang may to a certain extent slow down the preparation process of moderate earthquakes in Xinjiang.

Research into the Regional Characteristics of the Tectonic Stress Field in Jiashi, Xinjiang and Its Surrounding Areas

Jiashi and its surrounding areas are composed of many structural zones. Using the focal mechanism solutions of 59 moderately strong earthquakes in Jiashi and its surrounding areas, and combining these with the calculation results of system cluster and stress field inversion, we analyzed the evolvement characteristics of the stress field for different times and different regions. The results were as follows: The earthquakes in Jiashi are mainly strike-slip. However, those of the Kalpin block are mainly reverse events, showing an obvious thrusting. The regional characteristics are different from other areas. The direction of the regional principal stress field is near NS. However, under different tectonic backgrounds, the directions of the stress fields are different. The direction of the principal compress stress is near NS in the Kashi-Wuqia area. But before and after the 3 earthquakes with M7.0, dynamic evolution from NW to NS and then to NE with time process was observed. The Kalpin block has been dominated by a consistent stress field in the NW direction for a long time. However, the direction of the stress field of the Jiashi region is NE. Since 1996, the direction of the regional stress field has changed obviously. The direction of the P axis was deflected towards the NE, and the plunge angle increased. The result shows clearly the regional characteristics and variation of the distribution pattern of the stress field in different tectonic environments.

Study on the Relationship of Seismic Design Ground Motion at Different Fortification Levels in the Xinjiang Region

The seismic risk analysis results of 79 cities in Xinjiang are presented, and the bedrock peak ground accelerations under three seismic levels and their ratios are discussed. Then, the relationship between earthquake environments and the seismic risk analysis results of different exceeding probabilities are researched. The results show that minor and major earthquake motion parameters calculated from moderate earthquakes do not have a consistent probability and the ratio of bedrock peak accelerations under different exceedance probabilities are closely correlated with earthquake environments.

Using Long-Period Body Wave to Inverse Moment Tensors of the M_S6.8 Jiashi,Xinjiang Earthquake in 2003 and the Moderate and Small Earthquakes before and after It

An M_S6.8 strong earthquake took place in Jiashi,Xinjiang on February 24 of 2003.The digital wave form data recorded in Kashi and Wushi stations are selected to inverse the moment tensor solutions for the strong earthquake and the moderate and small earthquakes before and after it(108 earthquakes in 2001～2004).67 focal mechanism solutions have been calculated,and the results agree with those from Harvard University and USGS.The analysis reveals that before the strong earthquake,the moderate and small earthquake distribution was dispersed,and after the event the distribution was mainly concentrated around the strong earthquake.Before the strong earthquake,the seismic faults of the mid and small events had the character of strike-slip and normal faulting,and after the event,they exhibit strike-slip and thrust faulting.The region is dominated by near-NS horizontal compression from the southern block after the strong earthquake.

Detection of ULF electromagnetic emissions as a precursor to two earthquakes in China

The geomagnetic data recorded by Kashi and Jinghai observatories in China were analyzed with improved polarization method. We compared the result around 0.01 Hz which is thought to be useful to detect the ULF anomaly with the result around 0.1 Hz which was inferred from the earthquake depth according to the skin effect, and found that 0.1 Hz is more proper to detect the ULF anomaly for both earthquakes studied in this paper.

Spatial distribution features of sequence types of moderate and strong earthquake in Chinese mainland

Based on 294 earthquake sequences with magnitude greater than or equal to 5.0 occurred in Chinese mainland since 1970, the spatial distribution features of sequence types have been studied. In southwestern China, it takes mainshock-aftershock sequence type （MAT） as the major in Chuan-Dian rhombic block and concerned Xianshuihe-Anninghe-Xiaojiang seismic belt, as well as in Jinshajiang-Honghe seismic belt. Multiple mainshock type （MMT） mainly distributes in western Yunnan, and Longlin and Lancang areas in Tengchong-Baoshan block in west of Nujiang-Lancangjiang fault zone. A few isolated earthquake type （IET） mainly occurred in northwestern Sichuan and there is no IET occurred in Yunnan region. In northwestern China, it takes mainshock-aftershock sequence type （MAT） as the major in west segment of South Tianshan in Xinjiang region. Some MMT also occurred in this area in the intersection of Kalpin block and the Puchang fault zone. It takes IET as the major in middle Tianshan in Xinjiang. Along the Qilianshan seismic belt, most of sequences are MAT. In Qinghai region, it takes MAT as the major, but the regional feature of the spatial distribution of sequence types is not very clear. In North China, it takes MAT as the major in Yinshan-Yanshan-Bohai seismic belt, north edge of North China, and in Hebei plain seismic belt, as well as in sub-plate of lower river area of Yangtze River. In intersection of north segment of Shanxi seismic belt and the NW-trending Yinshan-Yanshan-Bohai seismic belt, there are several moderate or strong MMT with magnitude from 5.0 to 6.0 occurred. In south of North China around the latitude line of 35°N, it takes IET as the major. The spatial distribution of sequence types is relevant to the patterns of tectonic movements. MAT is mostly produced by the ruptures of locked units or asperities or the neonatal separating segments inside the fault zones. MMT is generally relevant to the conjugate structures or intersection of many tectonic settings. Further extension of simple fault often produces IET. Spatial distribution of sequence types is also correlative to the regional and deep environment of crustal medium to some extent. MAT mainly distributes in high velocity area in upper crust or in the transition zone between high velocity area and low velocity area, MMT mostly occurred in the low velocity area in upper crust.

Statistical features of aftershock distribution size for moderate and large earthquakes in Chinese mainland

Based on data of earthquake sequences with Ms≥5.0 in Chinese mainland from 1970 to 2004, for different sequence types and different rupture modes of the main shock, the relationship between aftershock distribution size R and the magnitude of the main shock Mo has been studied statistically. Considering the rupture mode of the main shock, we give the quantitative statistical relationships between R and Mo under 95% confidence level for different sequence typos. Qualitatively, lgR, the logarithm of the aftershock distribution size, is positively correlative to the M0, but the data distribution is dispersed. Viewing from different sequence typos, the correlation between R and M0 is very weak for isolated earthquake type （lET） sequence, R distributes in the range from 5 to 60 km; For mainshock-aftershock type （MAT）, lgR is positively correlative to M0; For multiple main shock type （MMT）, the corelation between lgR and M0 is not very obvious when M0≤6.2 and R distributes in the range from 5 to 70 km, while it shows a linear correlation when M0≥6.3. The statistical results also show that the occupational ratios of different sequence types for strike-slip and oblique slip are almost the same. But for dip-slip （mostly are thrust mechanisms）, the ratio of MAT is higher than that of IET and MMT. Comparing with previous results, it indicates that, when M0 is large enough, R is mainly determined by M0 and there is almost no relationship with the rupture mode of the main shock.