A worldwide test of three long-term premonitory seismicity patterns—a review

Worldwide analysis of the clustering of earthquakes has lead to the hypothesis that the occurrence of abnormally large clusters indicates an increase in probability of a strong earthquake in the next 3–4 years within the same region. Three long-term premonitory seismicity patterns, which correspond to different non-contradictory definitions of abnormally large clusters, were tested retrospectively in 15 regions. The results of the tests suggest that about 80% of the strongest earthquakes can be predicted by monitoring these patterns.Most of results concern pattern B (“burst of aftershocks”) i.e. an earthquake of medium magnitude with an abnormally large number of aftershocks during the first few days. Two other patterns, S and Σ often complement pattern B and can replace it in some regions where the catalogs show very few aftershocks.The practical application of these patterns is strongly limited by the fact that neither the location of the coming earthquake within the region nor its time of occurrence within 3–4 years is indicated. However, these patterns present the possibility of increasing the reliability of medium and short-term precursors; also, they allow activation of some important early preparatory measures.The results impose the following empirical constraint on the theory of the generation of a strong earthquake: it is preceded by abnormal clustering of weaker earthquakes in the space-time-energy domain; corresponding clusters are few but may occur in a wide region around the location of the coming strong earthquake; the distances are of the same order as for the other reported precursors.     

Multifractality in seismic sequences of NW Himalaya

Multifractal behaviour of interevent time sequences is investigated for the earthquake events in the NW Himalaya, which is one of the most seismically active zones of India and experienced moderate to large damaging earthquakes in the past. In the present study, the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) is used to understand the multifractal behaviour of the earthquake data. For this purpose, a complete and homogeneous earthquake catalogue of the period 1965–2013 with a magnitude of completeness M _w 4.3 is used. The analysis revealed the presence of multifractal behaviour and sharp changes near the occurrence of three earthquakes of magnitude (M _w ) greater than 6.6 including the October 2005, Muzaffarabad–Kashmir earthquake. The multifractal spectrum and related parameters are explored to understand the time dynamics and clustering of the events.

     

Real time earthquake forecasting in Italy

We have applied an earthquake clustering epidemic model to real time data at the Italian Earthquake Data Center operated by the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) for short-term forecasting of moderate and large earthquakes in Italy. In this epidemic-type model every earthquake is regarded, at the same time, as being triggered by previous events and triggering following earthquakes. The model uses earthquake data only, with no explicit use of tectonic, geologic, or geodetic information. The forecasts are displayed as time-dependent maps showing both the expected rate density of M_l ≥ 4.0 earthquakes and the probability of ground shaking exceeding Modified Mercalli Intensity VI (PGA ≥ 0.01 g) in an area of 100 × 100 km² around the zone of maximum expected rate density in the following 24 h. For testing purposes, the overall probability of occurrence of an M_l ≥ 4.5 earthquake in the same area of 100 × 100 km² is also estimated. The whole procedure is tested in real time, for internal use only, at the INGV Earthquake Data Center.Forecast verification procedures have been carried out in forward-retrospective way on the 2006–2007 INGV data set, making use of statistical tools as the Relative Operating Characteristics (ROC) diagrams. These procedures show that the clustering epidemic model performs up to several hundred times better than a simple random forecasting hypothesis. The seismic hazard modeling approach so developed, after a suitable period of testing and refinement, is expected to provide a useful contribution to real time earthquake hazard assessment, even with a possible practical application for decision making and public information.     

A stochastic model of earthquake occurrence and the accompanying horizontal land deformation

A large-scale earthquake is believed to be associated with a release of strain energy accumulated in the crust, probably by the motion of upper-mantle lithosphere. Such an earthquake mechanism is well simulated by a belt-conveyer model proposed by Utsu (1972). The probability of earthquake occurrence can be estimated on the assumption that the motion of a slider on the belt-conveyer is mathematically formulated as a Markov process.In the probabilistic expressions, the results of Mogi's (1962) rock-fracture experiments are applied to the hazard-rate function of earthquake occurrence. The hazard-rate function has two coefficients, A and B, to be determined by the experiments. It is concluded that, when B is small, a number of small-scale earthquakes occur in the early time after the accumulation of crustal strain energy starts, but that the accumulated strain energy changes catastrophically into a single large-scale earthquake, when B is large.     

Climate extremes: an observation and projection of its impacts on food production in ASEAN

Multifractal behaviour of interevent time sequences is investigated for the earthquake events in the NW Himalaya, which is one of the most seismically active zones of India and experienced moderate to large damaging earthquakes in the past. In the present study, the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) is used to understand the multifractal behaviour of the earthquake data. For this purpose, a complete and homogeneous earthquake catalogue of the period 1965–2013 with a magnitude of completeness M _w 4.3 is used. The analysis revealed the presence of multifractal behaviour and sharp changes near the occurrence of three earthquakes of magnitude (M _w ) greater than 6.6 including the October 2005, Muzaffarabad–Kashmir earthquake. The multifractal spectrum and related parameters are explored to understand the time dynamics and clustering of the events.     

Time-dependent analysis of aftershock events and structural impacts on intraplate crustal seismicity of the Van earthquake (Mw 7.1, 23 October 2011), E-Anatolia

The Van earthquake (M _W 7.1, 23 October 2011) in E-Anatolia is typical representative of intraplate earthquakes. Its thrust focal character and aftershock seismicity pattern indicate the most prominent type of compound earthquakes due to its multifractal dynamic complexity and uneven compressional nature, ever seen all over Turkey. Seismicity pattern of aftershocks appears to be invariably complex in its overall characteristics of aligned clustering events. The population and distribution of the aftershock events clearly exhibit spatial variability, clustering-declustering and intermittency, consistent with multifractal scaling. The sequential growth of events during time scale shows multifractal behavior of seismicity in the focal zone. The results indicate that the extensive heterogeneity and time-dependent strength are considered to generate distinct aftershock events. These factors have structural impacts on intraplate seismicity, suggesting multifractal and unstable nature of the Van event. Multifractal seismicity is controlled by complex evolution of crustal-scale faulting, mechanical heterogeneity and seismic deformation anisotropy. Overall seismicity pattern of aftershocks provides the mechanism for strain softening process to explain the principal thrusting event in the Van earthquake. Strain localization with fault weakening controls the seismic characterization of Van earthquake and contributes to explain the anomalous occurrence of aftershocks and intraplate nature of the Van earthquake.     

Multifractal analysis of earthquakes in Kumaun Himalaya and its surrounding region

Himalayan seismicity is related to continuing northward convergence of Indian plate against Eurasian plate. Earthquakes in this region are mainly caused due to release of elastic strain energy. The Himalayan region can be attributed to highly complex geodynamic process and therefore is best suited for multifractal seismicity analysis. Fractal analysis of earthquakes (mb ?? 3.5) occurred during 1973?C2008 led to the detection of a clustering pattern in the narrow time span. This clustering was identified in three windows of 50 events each having low spatial correlation fractal dimension (D _C ) value 0.836, 0.946 and 0.285 which were mainly during the span of 1998 to 2005. This clustering may be considered as an indication of a highly stressed region. The Guttenberg Richter b-value was determined for the same subsets considered for the D _C estimation. Based on the fractal clustering pattern of events, we conclude that the clustered events are indicative of a highly stressed region of weak zone from where the rupture propagation eventually may nucleate as a strong earthquake. Multifractal analysis gave some understanding of the heterogeneity of fractal structure of the seismicity and existence of complex interconnected structure of the Himalayan thrust systems. The present analysis indicates an impending strong earthquake, which might help in better hazard mitigation for the Kumaun Himalaya and its surrounding region.     

Probability of earthquake occurrence as obtained from a Weibull distribution analysis of crustal strain

Probability of a large-scale earthquake occurrence is estimated from crustal strain geodetically detected over an earthquake area. The Weibull distribution function, which is widely applied to quality-control research, is made use of in this paper in the probabilistic treatments of crustal strain.Using the table of ultimate strain presented by Rikitake (1974), a Weibull model representing a statistical distribution of crustal-rupture occurrence time is determined on the assumption that the crust is strained with a constant speed. In the case of the South Kanto District, the associated probability-density function has a maximum at about 84 years after the time when the strain energy accumulation starts.     

强震的孕育规律与孕震模式

针对强震能否预测以及如何预测的科学难题,建立孕震断层多锁固段脆性破裂理论,发现强震孕育过程的指数规律：sf（k）=1.48ksc,其中sf（k）和sc分别为第k个锁固体断裂点与第一个锁固段膨胀起点对应的累加Be-nioff应变,可以利用锁固段在其变形膨胀点处开始发生的震群事件（加速性地震活动前兆）预测未来大震,并给出了强震四要素相关预测方法。通过对诸多历史强震（如邢台地震、海城地震、汶川地震、玉树地震等）的回溯性检验分析表明：强震可以预测,且其孕震过程都遵循着上述简单的共性力学规律。在此基础上,归纳出4种典型强震的孕震模式,即大震震级呈＂大—小—大＂型,大震震级呈连续上升型,锁固段快速连续破裂型与标准型。此外,根据相关强震预测理论方法,对有关抗震救灾未来研究的方向提出如下建议：建议加强活动断裂位置精确定位、性质判定的地震地质研究,并开展孕震区锁固段（闭锁区域）判识的地质与地球物理研究等。     

On the long-term seismic hazard analysis in the Zhangjiakou–Penglai seismotectonic zone, China

The Zhangjiakou–Penglai seismotectonic zone (ZPSZ) lies in the northern part of North China and extends along the Zhangjiakou–Beijing–Tianjin–Bohai Bay–Penglai–Yellow Sea. It is about 900 km long and some 250 km wide in a northwest direction. The great Sanhe-Pinggu (M_S=8.0) earthquake occurred on September 1679 and the Tangshan (M_S=7.8) earthquake on July 1976 caused serious economic and life losses. According to some differences in crust structure and regional tectonic stress field, the ZPSZ is divided into western and eastern segment by the 117°E line for study on long-term seismic hazard analysis. An analysis of Gutenberg–Richter's empirical relation of earthquake-frequency and time process of historic and recent earthquakes along the eastern and western segments shows that the earthquake activity obeys a Poisson process, and these calculations indicate that the earthquake occurrence probability of M_S=6.0–6.9 is 0.77–0.83 in the eastern segment and the earthquake occurrence probability of M_S=7.0–7.9 is 0.78–0.80 in the western segment of the ZPSZ during a period from 2005 to 2015.     

基于改进遗传算法的岩体结构面产状聚类分析

根据产状对结构面进行分组是研究岩体结构的重要环节。传统分组方法通常需要依靠地质经验,缺乏客观性,而现有的聚类方法也存在一些缺陷。基于变长度字符串遗传算法,提出了一种改进的K均值算法,实现了岩体结构面产状的自动聚类。该方法的核心思想是使用遗传算法为K均值算法选择恰当的聚类中心,克服了K均值(K-means)算法受初始聚类中心影响,易收敛于局部最优解的缺陷。由于使用了变长度字符串,该方法能够在聚类过程中自动确定最佳结构面组数,同时提供最优的分组结果。针对产状数据,提出了一种新的变异方法,该方法利用C++语言实现,并被应用于浙江省某地下水封洞库结构面产状数据的分析,得到较为合理的分组结果,证明了该方法的有效性。     

基于实验结果讨论断层破裂与强震物理过程的若干问题

基于断层摩擦滑动实验、含凹凸体断层的变形破坏实验、断层撕裂扩展的实验、交叉断层的变形实验等多种实验结果并结合前人的工作 ,讨论了与断层破裂与强震物理过程相关的若干问题。研究表明 ,断层的整体滑动引起其两侧块体弹性应变的释放 ,是强震发生的原因 ,因此构造活动区具有较大尺度、结构连续且简单、介质均匀的断层 (或断层段 )是产生强震必备的构造条件 ,深部新生断层(盲断层 )向上撕裂扩展产生强震 ,尚需“弱层”提供“解耦”条件以便断层发生整体滑动。强震孕育过程中包含着凹凸体的破裂 ,断层面上凹凸体的尺度、强度及数量决定着前震活动的特征、强震动态破裂过程以及前兆现象。由断层分割的块体通过边界断层的交替滑动、以“框动”的方式运动 ,因此块体周边的断层上强震活动具有交替性。     

Evidence for a fluid flow triggered spatio-temporal migration of seismicity in the 2001 M<Subscript>w</Subscript> 7.7 Bhuj earthquake region,Gujarat, India,during 2001–2013

We studied the variations in spatial and temporal clustering of earthquake activity (during 2001–2013) in the Kachchh seismic zone, Gujarat, India, by precisely relocating 3478 events using a joint hypocentral determination (JHD) relocation technique, and high-quality arrival times of 21032 P- and 20870 S-waves. Temporal disposition of estimated station corrections of P- and S-waves suggests that the fluid flow in the causative fault zone of the 2001 Bhuj mainshock increased during 2001–2010, while it reduced during 2011–2013, due to the healing process associated with the perturbed Kachchh fault zone. We also estimated the isotropic seismic diffusivities from epicentral growth patterns, which are found to be much lower than those observed for reservoir-induced seismicity sites in the world. Finally, we analysed the spatial and temporal evolution of this earthquake sequence by solving the diffusion equation of pore-pressure relaxation caused by co- and post-seismic stress changes associated with earthquakes. The value of the isotropic diffusivity is estimated to be 100 m²/s for the Kachchh rift zone. This gives a higher permeability (after a lapse time of 14 years from the occurrence of the 2001 Bhuj mainshock) in comparison to those observed for other intraplate regions in the world. Our results suggest that the observed spatio-temporal migration of seismicity is consistent with the shallow (meteoric water circulation at 0–10 km depths) and deeper (metamorphic fluid and volatile CO₂ circulation at 10–40 km depths) fluid flows in the permeable and fractured causative fault zone of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake.     

关于海城地震震源模式的讨论

地震震源模式是对地震形成条件、孕育和暴发过程的认识,它是与地震预报密切相关的一个重要理论课题。讨论一个地震的震源模式应该解决震源应力场、发震构造和震源物理、化学过程等问题,解决这些问题的根本依据来源于震前、震时和震后所暴露出的各种实际材料。地震地质特征是认识这些问题的背景,模拟实验则为我们认识这些问题提供对比研究的线索。     

Time independent seismic hazard analysis in Alborz and surrounding area

The Bayesian probability estimation seems to have efficiencies that make it suitable for calculating different parameters of seismicity. Generally this method is able to combine prior information on seismicity while at the same time including statistical uncertainty associated with the estimation of the parameters used to quantify seismicity, in addition to the probabilistic uncertainties associated with the inherent randomness of earthquake occurrence. In this article a time-independent Bayesian approach, which yields the probability that a certain cut-off magnitude will be exceeded at certain time intervals is examined for the region of Alborz, Iran, in order to consider the following consequences for the city of Tehran. This area is located within the Alpine-Himalayan active mountain belt. Many active faults affect the Alborz, most of which are parallel to the range and accommodate the present day oblique convergence across it. Tehran, the capital of Iran, with millions of inhabitants is located near the foothills of the southern Central Alborz. This region has been affected several times by historical and recent earthquakes that confirm the importance of seismic hazard assessment through it. As the first step in this study an updated earthquake catalog is compiled for the Alborz. Then, by assuming a Poisson distribution for the number of earthquakes which occur at a certain time interval, the probabilistic earthquake occurrence is computed by the Bayesian approach. The highest probabilities are found for zone AA and the lowest probabilities for zones KD and CA, meanwhile the overall probability is high.     

Rainfall-triggering response patterns of post-seismic debris flows in the Wenchuan earthquake area

Several giant debris flows occurred in southwestern China after the Wenchuan earthquake, causing serious casualties and economic losses. Debris flows were frequently triggered after the earthquake. A relatively accurate prediction of these post-seismic debris flows can help to reduce the consequent damages. Existing debris flow prediction is almost based on the study of the relationship between post-earthquake debris flows and rainfall. The relationship between the occurrence of post-seismic debris flows and characteristic rainfall patterns was studied in this paper. Fourteen rainfall events related to debris flows that occurred in four watersheds in the Wenchuan earthquake area were collected. By analyzing the rainfall data, characteristics of rainfall events that triggered debris flows after the earthquake were obtained. Both the critical maximum rainfall intensity and average rainfall intensity increased with the time. To describe the critical conditions for debris flow initiation, intensity–duration curves were constructed, which shows how the threshold for triggering debris flows increased each year. The time that the critical rainfall intensities of debris flow occurrences return to the value prior to the earthquake could not be estimated due to the absent rainfall data before the earthquake. Rainfall-triggering response patterns could be distinguished for rainfall-induced debris flows. The critical rainfall patterns related to debris flows could be divided on the basis of antecedent rainfall duration and intensity into three categories: (1) a rapid triggering response pattern, (2) an intermediate triggering response pattern, and (3) a slow triggering response pattern. The triggering response patterns are closely related to the initiation mechanisms of post-earthquake debris flows. The main difference in initiation mechanisms and difference in triggering patterns by rainfall is regulated by the infiltration process and determined by a number of parameters, such as hydro-mechanical soil characteristics, the thickness of the soil, and the slope gradient. In case of a rapid triggering response rainfall pattern, the hydraulic conductivity and initial moisture content are the main impact factors. Runoff erosion and rapid loading of solid material is the dominant process. In case of a rainfall pattern with a slow triggering response, the thickness and strength of the soil, high hydraulic conductivity, and rainfall intensity are the impact factors. Probably slope failure is the most dominant process initiating debris flows. In case of an intermediate triggering response pattern, both debris flow initiation mechanisms (runoff erosion and slope failure) can play a role.     

Statistical analysis and long-term prediction of seismicity for linear zones

The model of the Poisson point process is too vague for earthquake locations in space and time: earthquakes tend to cluster in middle distances and to repulse in large ones. The Poisson point model with variable density makes it possible to describe the tendency for clustering but does not reveal the periodicity of clusters. The author proposes the point-process model where locations of points are determined not by densities of point distribution, but by densities of interpoint differences distribution. In the model, a latent periodicity is revealed and used for prediction of a point process. In 1983, the point-process model prediction was made for the Kuril Islands for 1983–1987 and two signs of danger in time and location were determined. Then they were confirmed by strong earth-quakes. In 1989, a similar prediction was made for North Armenia. The Spitak earthquake in 1988 is clearly seen from the data of previous earthquakes.     

新疆塔里木河流域洪水过程集聚性及低频气候影响

运用Cox回归模型、月频率法以及离散指数法,研究了新疆塔里木河（塔河）流域8个水文站点POT抽样和5个区域洪水序列时间集聚性特征以及受低频气候变化的影响。结果表明:受气候变化的影响,塔河流域洪水序列呈现显著集聚性特征,洪水发生频率高的时期往往也是大量级洪峰集中发生的时期,这是塔河流域洪灾损失居高不下的主要原因;Cox回归模型拟合的气候指标系数值为正值的站点和区域,气候指标正相位导致相同超过概率的洪水发生时间提前,而相同发生时间的洪水发生超过概率降低,气候指标值为负值时则相反;塔河流域大部分水文站点和区域洪水发生的超过概率均对气候指标变化有较好响应,这一现象有利于塔河流域洪水风险控制与洪灾管理;塔河流域站点洪水序列多无年际集聚性现象,而区域洪水序列的年际集聚性特征显著。     

抗震设防决策中的模糊信息处理

抗震设防决策过程中涉及到许多对整个分析过程都具有重要意义的模糊信息 ,本文提出一种结合模糊信息进行地震危险性概率分析与抗震设防决策的方法 ,介绍了用模糊集模拟模糊信息的原理 ,以及进一步处理模糊信息的区间分析顶点法。作为一例 ,这些方法结合基于泊松分布的地震烈度发生概率模型 ,应用于南京市区未来 5 0年的地震危险性与抗震设防效益分析 ,提供模糊的结论供设防决策参考。     

甘东南及邻区7级以上强震数值模拟

对强震发生后周围断层及未来强震形势的影响研究具有非常重要的意义.青藏高原东北缘强震频发,对该区的历史强震进行研究很有必要.以青藏高原东北缘及邻区为目标建立3D黏弹性有限元模型,依据中国大陆Ⅰ级块体和青藏高原Ⅱ级块体划分及活动断裂分布确定模型块体边界及断裂位置,使用GPS观测资料作为模型边界条件,数值模拟1900年以来7级以上强震发生的动力学过程.计算结果表明:① 青藏高原东北缘及邻区区域水平构造应力场特征大致呈从西向东,从南向北减小分布.② 模拟结果说明强震主要发生在背景场应力和强震引起的等效应力加载的断层上.③ 历史强震序列对1970年以来地震的影响:康定地震加速触发了炉霍地震的发生;康定、炉霍地震对松潘地震无加速触发作用;康定、炉霍、松潘地震对共和地震无加速触发作用;炉霍、松潘、共和地震对汶川地震的影响较小;汶川地震延缓了芦山地震的发生.