Evaluating effectiveness of mitigation measures for large debris flows in Wenchuan,China

Landslides - To cope with frequent debris flow hazards, many cascade check dams and diversion channels have been adopted in Wenchuan, Sichuan, China, on the eastern margin of the Tibetan plateau....     

Comparison of two large earthquakes in China: the 2008 Sichuan Wenchuan Earthquake and the 2013 Sichuan Lushan Earthquake

Over a period of 5 years, two large earthquakes struck Sichuan Wenchuan and Lushan successively. The two main seismic zones are only 87 km apart along the same seismic belt on the Longmenshan fault. Although there was only one magnitude of difference between the two great quakes, losses from the 2013 Lushan Earthquake were much lower than that of 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake. This study compares these disasters in terms of preparation and response in order to develop effective ways to reduce casualty and economic loss in future earthquakes. By determining what was done right after the Wenchuan Earthquake, we can better understand how to reduce future losses. This study focuses on seven factors: basic information, preparedness, government response, local residents’ responses, medical rescue teams’ work, earthquake-induced secondary effects, and injury character. We also recommend that three major actions should be emphasized to facilitate the most effective course of disaster planning and action. First, sufficient preparedness and strict preventive measures form the foundation to minimize damage and reduce casualties. Once the disaster had occurred, a single, well-run headquarters increases efficiency in rescue efforts. Finally, local rescue strength of both professional staff and citizens is the most critical factor to lower disaster casualties.     

Variation of debris flow/flood formation conditions at the watershed scale in the Wenchuan Earthquake area

A channelized debris flow/flood generally originates from initial gully erosion by superficial runoff that evolves rapidly into massive erosion of the channel bed. Knowledge of the formation conditions of such events is crucial for accurate forecasting, and determination of rainfall and runoff thresholds for such hazards is a primary concern following a strong earthquake. This work proposed a framework for debris flow/flood formation at the watershed scale in two watersheds (area: 2.4 and 32.4 km²) in the Wenchuan Earthquake area (China). The critical runoff and rainfall conditions required for debris flow/flood formation were simulated and their annual variations investigated. Ultimately, the runoff conditions required for debris flow/flood formation in the two studied watersheds were calculated on an annual basis and found to increase in time. Similarly, following consideration of three different rainfall types, critical rainfall conditions were proposed that also showed an increasing tendency. The increase of rainfall and runoff conditions for debris flow/flood formation is attributable to both the recovery of vegetation and the reduction of source materials. In comparison with actual monitored flow behaviors and previously proposed rainfall thresholds, the results showed strong consistency and high forecasting efficiency.

     

Wildfire impacts on the processes that generate debris flows in burned watersheds

Every year, and in many countries worldwide, wildfires cause significant damage and economic losses due to both the direct effects of the fires and the subsequent accelerated runoff, erosion, and debris flow. Wildfires can have profound effects on the hydrologic response of watersheds by changing the infiltration characteristics and erodibility of the soil, which leads to decreased rainfall infiltration, significantly increased overland flow and runoff in channels, and movement of soil. Debris-flow activity is among the most destructive consequences of these changes, often causing extensive damage to human infrastructure. Data from the Mediterranean area and Western United States of America help identify the primary processes that result in debris flows in recently burned areas. Two primary processes for the initiation of fire-related debris flows have been so far identified: (1) runoff-dominated erosion by surface overland flow; and (2) infiltration-triggered failure and mobilization of a discrete landslide mass. The first process is frequently documented immediately post-fire and leads to the generation of debris flows through progressive bulking of storm runoff with sediment eroded from the hillslopes and channels. As sediment is incorporated into water, runoff can convert to debris flow. The conversion to debris flow may be observed at a position within a drainage network that appears to be controlled by threshold values of upslope contributing area and its gradient. At these locations, sufficient eroded material has been incorporated, relative to the volume of contributing surface runoff, to generate debris flows. Debris flows have also been generated from burned basins in response to increased runoff by water cascading over a steep, bedrock cliff, and incorporating material from readily erodible colluvium or channel bed. Post-fire debris flows have also been generated by infiltration-triggered landslide failures which then mobilize into debris flows. However, only 12% of documented cases exhibited this process. When they do occur, the landslide failures range in thickness from a few tens of centimeters to more than 6 m, and generally involve the soil and colluvium-mantled hillslopes. Surficial landslide failures in burned areas most frequently occur in response to prolonged periods of storm rainfall, or prolonged rainfall in combination with rapid snowmelt or rain-on-snow events.     

汶川震区暴雨泥石流发生的降雨阈值

搜集了汶川震区暴雨泥石流发生的降雨数据,采用詹氏法和修正法两种雨场分割法对其进行处理,研究了降雨参数（降雨强度、累积雨量和降雨历时）与泥石流发生之间的关系,建立了汶川震区暴雨泥石流发生的降雨阈值模型。结果表明:采用詹氏法和修正法这两种雨场分割方法所获得的降雨参数之间存在差异。两者的累积雨量差异不大,但后者的平均雨强要小于前者,其原因在于修正法改善了詹氏法估计降雨时间过短的缺点,延长了降雨历时。通过分析平均雨强~历时、累积雨量~历时、标准化平均雨强~历时和标准化累积雨量~历时之间的关系,采用单线法建立了汶川震区暴雨泥石流发生的降雨阈值。研究成果在四川省绵竹市清平乡的泥石流灾害事件中进行了应用与验证,结果表明该方法具有合理性和可行性。     

RS and GIS-based Statistical Analysis of Secondary Geological Disasters after the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake

Using RS and GIS means,this article analyzes the general geological characteristics and the structural belt distribution features in Wenchuan County,Sichuan province,P.R.China as well as the characteristics of the large-scale landslides,mud-rock flows,earthquake lakes,etc.,after the earthquake on May 12,2008.Based on the above work,comprehensive indoor and outdoor research is launched on disaster distribution characteristics and their relationship with earthquakes,terrains, strata,lithology,and structure...     

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.     

Regional indirect economic impact evaluation of the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake

Disaster loss estimates are helpful for managing post-disaster reconstruction and for designing disaster-risk mitigation strategies. However, most of these estimates in China merely consider direct losses, and only a few include indirect economic losses. As the most destructive earthquake since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the Wenchuan Earthquake that occurred in 2008 resulted in direct economic damages reached Chinese Yuan (CNY) 845 billion (US $124 billion). The aim of the study was to estimate indirect economic losses caused by the Wenchuan Earthquake in Sichuan Province through the Adaptive Regional Input–Output (ARIO) model, which can reflect disaster-related changes in production capacity, ripple effects within the economic system, and adaptive behaviors of economic actors. The results showed that indirect economic losses in the production and housing sectors were estimated at 40% of the direct economic losses, i.e., approximately CNY 300 billion; moreover, the model predicted an 8-year reconstruction period. Several factors contributed to these losses, including significant damages to key sectors, financial constraints on reconstruction, post-earthquake investment instability, and limits in reconstruction capacity. Active government support policies post-earthquake are a useful strategy to mitigate the adverse economic impact of an earthquake in developing countries.     

从汶川“5·12”地震看地球物理预测地震

汶川5·12地震,破坏之大,死亡人数之多,让世界震惊,所以人们重新把眼光投向地震预报。地震预报的确是艰难的,中国的海城地震是一个成功的典范,但唐山、松潘和汶川地震依然让人们陷入迷茫。地震发生前有许多先兆(包括前震),通过仪器接收,表现为一些地球物理场异常。引起这些地球物理场的异常有诸多的原因,不可能在短时间内分辨出那些是因为即将地震而引起的。目前地球物理预测地震理论已经日趋完善,可进行多方位的数据分析,并在实践中验证,下逐渐走向相对科学地、精确地对地震进行预测。     

Hazard assessment of debris flows in the Wenchuan earthquake-stricken area,South West China

The Longxi river basin with the city of Dujiangyan, in the Sichuan province of South West China, belongs to the seismic area of the May 12, 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. Lots of loose co-seismic materials were present on the slopes, which in later years served as source material for rainfall-induced debris flows. A total of 12 debris flows, were triggered by heavy rainfall on August 13, 2010 in the study area. The FLO-2D numerical analysis software was adopted to simulate debris flows intensity, including movement velocities and maximum flow depths. A comparison of the measured fan spreading with the simulation results, the evaluation parameter Ω was used to verify accuracy of simulation, the results show Ω values ranging between 1.37 and 1.65 indicating relative good simulation results. This study also estimated the flood hydrograph for various recurrence intervals (20, 100, and 200 years, respectively) to perform scenario simulations of debris flows, and followed Swiss and Austrian standards to establish a debris flow hazard classification model on the basis of a combination of the debris flow intensity and the recurrence period. This study distinguishes three hazard classes: low, medium, and high. This proposed approach generated a debris flow hazard distribution map that could be used for disaster prevention in the Wenchuan earthquake-stricken area, South West China.     

汶川地震区特大泥石流物源集中启动模式和特征

物源的集中启动,是汶川地震区大规模泥石流发生过程中的关键因素,总结物源集中启动模式,对汶川地震区泥石流防治具有重要意义。文章在调查总结"5.12"地震以来一些重大泥石流发育特点的基础上,将物源集中启动归纳为归流拉槽、深切揭底和堵塞溃决等三种模式,并总结了典型泥石流物源集中启动的组合方式,针对各种物源集中启动模式提出了有针对性的防治思路。     

汶川震区暴雨泥石流激发雨量特征

利用搜集的汶川震区典型泥石流暴发前后的降雨过程资料,分析了泥石流的激发雨量过程,获得了汶川震区的泥石流激发雨量特征,以期为泥石流的预测预报提供依据。结果表明,汶川地震区的泥石流激发雨型可分为快速激发型、中速激发型和慢速激发型3类,其差异主要体现在降雨的持续时间和强度方面。不同激发雨型下的泥石流形成过程的差别主要体现在松散土体饱和过程。雨型的差异(降雨的持续时间和强度)使得土体饱和产生超渗产流的时间出现差异,进而使得泥石流暴发的时间存在差异。激发雨强跟激发雨型存在一定的关系,激发雨强最大者为中速激发雨型,其次是慢速激发雨型,最小者为快速激发雨型。与地震之前相比,地震后的泥石流暴发时的累积雨量和临界雨量都有所降低。     

RS and GIS‐based Statistical Analysis of Secondary Geological Disasters after the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake

Abstract: Using RS and GIS means, this article analyzes the general geological characteristics and the structural belt distribution features in Wenchuan County, Sichuan province, P.R. China as well as the characteristics of the large-scale landslides, mud-rock flows, earthquake lakes, etc., after the earthquake on May 12, 2008. Based on the above work, comprehensive indoor and outdoor research is launched on disaster distribution characteristics and their relationship with earthquakes, terrains, strata, lithology, and structures. Weights of evidence method is utilized to quantitatively analyze and evaluate the spatial distribution of secondary geological disasters after the earthquake occurred. 3 remedying grades for secondary geological disasters are derived from the results of the weights of Evidence, followed by suggestions given to remedy earthquake secondary disasters.     

The Energy Transformation and Efficiency of the May 12, 2008 Ms 8.0 Wenchuan Earthquake

<正>The energy transformation and efficiency is now a hot topic among researches of scientific drilling into fault zones(Tanaka et al.,2006;Ma et al.,2006).This study conducted temperature measurements and fault gouge particle analysis of borehole WFSD-1 from the Wenchuan Earthquake Fault Science Drilling Project(WFSD),and discussed the earthquake energy budget.The research progress is illuminated as follows.Through collection and analysis of source time function for the Wenchuan earthquake,this study used triangular     

汶川大震的科学思考

在野外地震地质科学考察的基础上,围绕汶川地震发震断层的特征、发震机制、地表破裂带的分段性与分带性、南北构造带地震危险性、地震地质灾害的多发性及链生性、工程建（构）筑物的破坏特征与安全性、地震烈度区划问题及极端自然灾害的预测与应对等进行了分析和讨论,并就有关问题提出了一些新的思考。结果表明,低速滑动断层、晚更新世断层或中央活动断裂也可以发生强震;汶川地震同时具有深部构造的控震作用;地表破裂沿走向可分为映秀—安县段、北川—关口段及青川段;地表破裂可分为主破裂、牵动破裂与感应破裂3种类型;青川段的深部破裂与浅部破裂没有几何上的连续关系或继承关系;贺兰—川滇南北构造带是中国大陆强震多发带,尤其是其北段的六盘山—天水—武都—青川一带未来的强震危险性不容忽视;汶川地震地质灾害具有灾害类型多、成因机理复杂、灾害链长、规模大、范围广、灾害程度深、危害对象广、持续时间长等特点;高烈度区和活断层沿线的地质灾害危险性区划与预测评价对防灾减灾极为重要;活动断裂沿线应注意破裂影响带宽度与建筑物安全避让距离;应对地震等极端自然灾害,应以预防为主,综合减灾;地震烈度区划应同时考虑活动断层的复发周期、地震的离逝时间乃至地形地貌条件;重大工程应提高设防烈度;应当加强极端自然灾害预测评估,完善应对对策和提高应对水平。     

汶川8.0级大地震震源机制与构造运动特征

根据地震震源机制、断层参数结果,结合GPS测定的同震位移场与构造研究的最新结果,综合分析研究了2008年汶川8级大地震汶川地震发生的地震活动背景、震源应力场、断层构造运动特征及其动力学机制。地震活动性分析研究结果表明,2008年汶川8级大地震是在青藏高原与其周边地域构造运动剧烈,2001年起始的地震活动高潮期的背景下发生的。其长达300km的地震震源断层填补了青藏高原东缘1900年以来存在的8级地震活动的空区。震源机制与区域应力场特征及其动力学机制研究表明,汶川8级地震震源处于南北地震带中南段东部,青藏高原东向扩张与四川盆地的抵抗是该区构造运动的主要特征。汶川地震及其强余震是在一个稳定的、主压应力P轴以北西西-东南东方向为主的震源应力场控制下发生的。说明汶川地震震源区域主要受到四川盆地、华南块体区域应力场的控制并发震的。龙门山断裂带西侧的青藏高原相对于四川盆地发生的东向上升;而东侧的四川盆地相对于青藏高原发生的西向下降构造运动是2008年汶川8级地震发生的主要地震成因即地震发生机制。     

昆明东川城区后山泥石流特征及成因分析

东川区是云南省也是我国泥石流暴发最强烈的地区之一。其突出特点是沟谷数量多、密度大、活动频繁、破坏损失严重、防治困难,严重威胁东川城区人民生命财产安全。论文详细分析了城区后山5条泥石流沟的暴发成因和特征。其泥石流以稀性泥石流为主,重度1.5~2.0 kN/m3之间。该区泥石流之所以如此发育,主要是地质地理环境起控制作用。东川区地质构造发育、地震频繁、山体失稳、地形高差悬殊和雨量集中且暴雨强度大等,是导致本区泥石流频繁而猛烈的根本原因。而人类不合理的经济活动则对本区泥石流的发生发展起着重要的加剧、恶化作用。论文的分析不仅对决策机构制定防治措施具有借鉴意义,且对东川城区后山“五沟”泥石流的修复治理具有重要意义。     

2008年汶川大地震同震、震后形变和应力及对松坪沟地质灾害的影响

2017年在四川茂县松坪沟发生的新磨滑坡造成了重大人员伤亡.除了分析降雨、工程地质等因素外,前人提出地震对滑坡的形成也起到了重要作用,然而目前还缺乏详细的定量分析.本研究根据龙门山地区地壳结构和GPS观测,结合美国地质调查局USGS反演得出的汶川地震同震破裂模型,利用粘弹性分层半无限空间模型(PSGRN/PSCMP程序...