Preliminary research to determine stress districts from focal mechanism solutions in Southwest China and its adjacent area

The method of sliding direction fitting is used to determine stress districts, taking the shear stress directions and ratios of shear stress to stress on fault planes given by focal mechanism solutions as the criteria to select focal mechanism solutions of one region and sorting out the earthquakes controlled by different tectonic stress fields, and then determining the stress districts from epicenter distribution of earthquakes. We call this method as step by step convergence method. By inversion analyzing of 297 focal mechanism solutions, we consider that Southwest China and its adjacent area can be divided into 5 stress districts, and we worked out directions of the three principal stresses and values of shape factor φin 5 stress districts.     

Determinations of directions of the mean stress field in Sichuan-Yunnan region from a number of focal mechanism solutions

Introduction With the model of double couple point source, both orientations of the T, B, and P axes of a single focal mechanism solution and parameters of the two nodal planes may be determined. The focal mechanism solution under ″the model of the best double couple″ can also be given by seis- mic moment tensor, such as those provided by Harvard CMT solutions. The orientations of the T, B, and P axes from one earthquake are associated with the released stress, but they cannot be re- gar…     

Focal Mechanism Solutions and Stress Field Inversion of Moderately Strong Earthquakes in the Northern Tianshan Area

Using the focal mechanism solutions of 24 moderately strong earthquakes in the northern Tianshan area, we carried out system cluster and stress field inversion analysis. The result indicates that, the focal mechanism solutions of moderately strong earthquakes are mainly dipslip reverse faulting in the northern Tianshan area. The principal rupture planes of earthquakes are NW-oriented. It is basically consistent with the strike of earthquake structure in its adjacent area. The direction of the principal compression stress P axis is nearly NS, and its inclination angle is small; while the inclination angle of the principal extensional stress T axis is large. It shows that the regional stress field is mainly controlled by the near-NS horizontal compressive stress. The direction of the maximum principal stress shows a gradation process of NNE-NS-NW from east to west.     

The Focal Mechanism Solutions of the M_S 8.0 Wenchuan Earthquake in Sichuan on May 12,2008 and Some of Its Aftershocks

The focal mechanism solutions of the Wenchuan earthquake(MS8.0) of May 12,2008 and some of its aftershocks occurring up to December 10,2008 are determined with lower semisphere of equal-projection and first motion sign data of P waves from regional and distant stations.The focal mechanism solutions of the MS8.0 Wenchuan earthquake are:Nodal planeⅠ:strike 5°,dip angle 48°,slip angle 39°; Nodal planeⅡ:strike 247°,dip angle 62°,slip angle 131°; P axis azimuth 309°,plunge 8°,T axis azimuth 208°,plunge 54°,B axis azimuth 44°,plunge 35°.Combining geological tectonics and spatial distribution of aftershocks,nodal plane II can be identified as a seismogenic fault.According to focal mechanism solutions,the fault activity that triggered the huge earthquake is reverse thrusting.The main rupture surface is S67° W,basically identical to the fault strike on which the earthquake occurred.The main compression stress P axis is N51°W,which is basically the same as the direction of the regional tectonic stress field.According to the results of focal mechanism solutions of aftershocks,the aftershocks occurring in the southern and northern sections of the Longmenshan fault zone have predominant orientations and are obviously different.For the main shock and the early aftershocks occurring on the southern section of the Longmenshan fault,the rupturing is mainly characterized by reverse-dip slip with some strike-slip,and over time,the aftershocks migrated towards the northern section.The rupturing in the source is mainly characterized by strike-slip with some reverse-dip slips.The stress field is controlled by the main shock stress field in the southern section of the Longmenshan tectonic zone,while it is controlled by the main shock stress field and regional stress field in the northern section of the Longmenshan tectonic zone.     

Hierarchical Clustering Analysis of Focal Mechanism Solutions, Taking the Haicheng Earthquake Sequence as an Example

The currently used methods for analyzing a number of focal mechanism solutions are often ineffective for large samples.With the aid of the basic concept of hierarchical clustering methods for pattern recognition and in combination with the expression of focal mechanism solutions themselves,the sum of the angle between P-axes and the angle between T-axes of 2 solutions is defined as a distance,and a software for hierarchical clustering analysis by the shortest distance method and longest distance method is compiled.The number of types in the clustering results can be determined in accordance with different requirements.For focal mechanism solutions of the same type,the average position of each stress axis can be calculated by the method of vector composition and thereby the spatial orientation of the average focal mechanism solution can be determined.In order to test the feasibility and reliability of the software,hierarchical clustering analyses are made for the focal mechanism solutions of 24 earthquak     

Types of focal mechanism solutions and parameter consistency of the sub-blocks in Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces

Based on P- and S-wave amplitudes and some clear initial P-wave motion data, we calculated focal mechanism solutions of 928 M≥2.5 earthquakes （1994-2005） in four sub-blocks of Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces, namely Sichuan-Qinghai, Yajiang, Central Sichuan and Central Yunnan blocks. Combining these calculation results with those of the focal mechanism solutions of moderately strong earthquakes, we analyzed the stress field characteristics and dislocation types of seismogenic faults that are distributed in the four sub-blocks. The orientation of principal compressive stress for each block is： EW in Sichuan-Qinghai, ESE or SE in Yajiang, Central Sichuan and Central Yunnan blocks. Based on a great deal of focal mechanism data, we designed a program and calculated the directions of the principal stress tensors, σ1, σ2 and σ3, for the four blocks. Meanwhile, we estimated the difference （also referred to as consistency parameter θ^- ） between the force axis direction of focal mechanism solution and the direction of the mean stress tensor of each block. Then we further analyzed the variation of θ^- versus time and the dislocation types of seismogenic faults. Through determination of focal mechanism solutions for each block, we present information on the variation in θ^- value and dislocation types of seismogenic faults.     

Seismological evidence for the convergence of crustal stress orientation before large earthquakes

Earthquakes are caused by the failure of faults,driven by tectonic stress build-up in the Earth’s crust.To study the earthquake preparation process and assess regional earthquake potentials,it is vitally important to understand the crustal stress evolution process and identify its change in pattern associated with the seismogenic process.In this study we investigate the focal mechanism orientations of earthquakes in southern California from 1982 to 1999,basing on a focal mechanism catalog from Hauksson.We f...     

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.     

Feasibility Study on Determining Focal Mechanism Solutions of Small Earthquakes Using the Velocity Amplitude Ratio of -and -Waves

The focal mechanism parameters of small earthquakes are determined by the maximum velocity and displacement amplitude ratio of the direct ^-P- and ^-S-waves recorded by digital stations. The displacement is obtained from the velocity by emulation, and the two results are compared and analyzed. Results of theoretical analysis and practical measurement indicate that the two results of velocity and displacement are consistent, and it is feasible that the maximum displacement amplitude ratio be replaced by the maximum velocity amplitude ratio of the direct ^-P-and ^-S- waves recorded by regional seismic networks when determining focal mechanism solutions of small earthquakes.     

Temporal and spatial variation characteristics of present stress field in the northern area of North China

From focal mechanism solutions of the earthquakes in the northern part of North China during the period of 2002～2006,the directions of principal stress axes in 4 stress sub-districts are analyzed using a grid test method.The characteristic of present crustal stress directions is discussed.Based on this result and on the focal mechanism solutions calculated for some events in the period of 1977～1998,in combination with some other study results,the temporal variation of present crustal stress directions in the northern part of North China is investigated.The re-sults confirm that the direction of crustal principal stress in some regions had somewhat rotated after the 1976 Tangshan M7.8 earthquake.The mean P axes of the focal mechanism solutions rotated clockwise not only in Tangshan sub-district,but also in Beijing and Xingtai sub-districts after the Tangshan earthquake.In Beijing and Xingtai sub-districts the orientations of principal stress axes in the period of 2002～2006 are consistent with that before the Tangshan earthquake,implying that the stress orientations has rotated back to the state before the Tang-shan earthquake in these two sub-districts.The directions of the mean P axes are nearly E-W in Tangshan sub-dis-trict since the M7.8 earthquake.The present stress field in the sub-district northwest to Beijing,or in the western part of the Zhangjiakou-Bohai fault zone,is relatively stable during the time period concerned in this study.Because of the limitation of data,this paper only states a possible variation of stress field in the northern part of North China in the recent decades.     

Preliminary analysis on the tectonic stress level in the source region of Tangshan earthquake

Introduction Analyzing tectonic stress field based on focal mechanism data is an important way to the study tectonic evolvement of lithosphere and associated dynamic process. Such studies growrapidly in China and abroad (Zoback, 1992; Plenefisch, Bonjer, 1997; XU, 1985; CUI, XIE, 1999). At present most of the studies focus on the inversion of focal mechanism data for the direction and relative magnitude of stress tensor, and few on absolute stress. Using focal mechanism and fault scratch,…     

Research on the Dynamic Change of Regional Stress Fields before the M_S8.0 Wenchuan Earthquake

Using the digital telemetric seismic waveform data of Chengdu and Kunming, this article studies the focal mechanism solutions and the apparent stress values of a large number of small earthquakes, and then analyzes the dynamic variation of regional stress fields and the spatio-temporal distribution of apparent stress values. The annual variation values of the azimuth of average principal stress field before the May 12, 2008 M_S8.0 Wenchuan earthquake in the Sichuan-Yunnan region were 58° from 2003 to 2004, 85° from 2003 to 2005,61° from 2006 to 2007 and 90° from 2006 to April 2008 respectively. In recent years, deflection or disturbances occurred in the azimuth of the average principal stress field in the Sichuan-Yunnan region. Analysis shows that this may be related to the change of stress field states of crustal blocks before and after the December 26, 2004 M_S9.0 Sumatra earthquake and the 2008 M_S8.0 Wenchuan earthquake. The ratio of thrust-type earthquakes in the Sichuan-Qinghai block was on the higher side in the period from 2006 to 2007, and the source faulting type of the regional moderate and small earthquakes had changed before the M_S8.0 Wenchuan earthquake. The change of state of the stress field is consistent with the changes in block displacement fields revealed by GPS data and the crustal shortening velocity vertical to the Longmenshan fault zone. Based on the radiation energy calculated from all bands of the seismic waveform, the value of apparent stress σ_app is obtained. The fluctuation shape of the fitting trend of the apparent stress is related to the intensity of regional seismicity. It reveals that the micro-dynamic fluctuation process of the regional stress value is similar to the azimuth transition of the regional principal compressive stress field, which can be used to probe for pregnant physical processes. Areas with a higher value of apparent stress σ_app are possible areas of potential seismic risk. It can be seen from the spatial distribution of the medium and short-term apparent stress σ_app before the M_S8.0 Wenchuan earthquake, the Longmenshan fault zone is in a low stress distribution area, and the relatively high apparent stress is in the peripheral area. These images may show medium and short-term locking phenomena near the seismogenic tectonics of the M_S8.0 Wenchuan earthquake. For example, changes with time of the focal parameter consistency of the sub-blocks in Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces, continual increase of thrust-type earthquakes in the Sichuan-Qinghai block and the appearance of spatial distribution areas of high apparent σ_app stress. The work on this aspect was continued after the M_S8.0 Wenchuan earthquake, and the results seem to be shown a clearer relationship between these phenomena and future great earthquakes.     

Study on the Recent Tectonic Stress Field in the Yunnan Region

In this paper, using focal mechanism solutions of moderate-strong earthquakes in Yunnan and its adjacent areas, and based on the statistical analysis of the parameters of focal mechanism solutions, we discussed in detail the earthquake fault types and the characteristics of the modern tectonic stress field in the Yunnan region. The results show that most moderate-strong earthquakes occurring in the Yunnan region are of the strike-slip type, amounting to 80% of the total. Normal faulting and normal with strike-slip and reverse and reverse with strike-slip earthquakes is almost equivalent in proportion, about 8% each. The tectonic stress field of the Yunnan region is near-horizontal, and the dips of earthquake fault planes are large. There are three main dynamic sources acting on the Yunnan region: one is the NE, NNE and NNW-directed acting force from Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam; the second is the SE-SSE directed force from the Sichuan and Sichuan-Yunnan rhombus block and the third is the NW-NNW directed force from the South China block. These three acting forces have controlled the faulting behavior of the main faults and the characteristics of strong earthquake activity of Yunnan and its adjacent regions.     

A quantitative research for present-time crustal motion in Fujian Province, China and its marginal sea

Based on the Chinese mainland GPS network (1994～1996), Fujian GPS network (1995～1997), cross fault deformation network (1982～1998), precise leveling network (1973～1980) and focal mechanism solutions of the recent several tens years, we synthetically and quantitatively studied the present-time crustal motion of the southeast coast of Chinese mainland-Fujian and its marginal sea. We find that this area with its mainland together moves toward SE with a rather constant velocity of 11.2(3.0 mm/a. At the same time, there is a motion from the Quanzhou bay pointing to hinterland, with a major orientation of NW, extending toward two sides, and with an average velocity of 3.0(2.6 mm/a. The faults orienting NE show compressing motions, and the ones orienting NW show extending motions. The present-time strain field derived from crustal deformation is consistent with seismic stress field derived from the focal mechanism solutions and the tectonic stress field derived from geology data. The principal stress of compression orients NW (NWW) - SE (SEE). Demarcated by the NW orienting faults of the Quanzhou bay and Jinjiang-Yongan, the crustal motions show regional characteristics: the southwest of Fujian and the boundary of Fujian and Guangdong are areas of rising, the northeast of Fujian are areas of sinking. The horizontal strain rate and the fault motion of the former are both greater than the later. The side-transferring motion of Hymalaya collision zone and the compression of the west pacific subduction zone affect the motion of the research area. The amount of motion affected by the former is larger than the later, but the former is homogeneous and the later is not, which indicates that the events of strong earthquakes in this region relate more directly with western pacific subduction zone.     

新源、和静交界ML6.8级地震序列应力降和震源机制研究

Based on the digital waveform data recorded by Xinjiang Digital Seismic Network for the Xinyuan-Hejing M_L6.8 earthquake sequences of June 30,2012,this paper analyzes the stress drops of earthquake sequences and the correlation coefficients of focal mechanisms significant for strong aftershocks.Firstly,the source parameters of the Xinyuan-Hejing M_L6.8 earthquake sequences are obtained by applying the spectrum analysis and the Brunes source model.Then,the correlation coefficients of spectral amplitudes are calculated using the low-frequency spectral amplitude recorded by the same station for the different events.Finally,based on the results of the correlation coefficients of spectral amplitudes,the events with similar focal mechanisms are grouped using the clustering method.The results show that:(1)The stress drop values show a steady trend in the aftershock sequence calm period and the stress drop values show a rise-fall in strong aftershocks.(2)The moving average correlation coefficient of amplitude spectrum begins to spread after the main shock.It shows that the correlation decreases between the main shock and the aftershocks in mechanisms.(3)The results of focal mechanism groups show that the earthquake sequences are mainly strike slips.The stress distribution of the main pressure axis is nearly NS,which is the same as the structural stress field.(4)The magnitude and mechanism show that there is an agreement before the strong aftershock,which shows that the regional stress field is enhanced.     

Fault plane parameters of Tancheng M81/2 earthquake on the basis of present-day seismological data

The great Tancheng earthquake of M81/2 occurred in 1668 was the largest seismic event ever recorded in history in eastern China.This study determines the fault geometry of this earthquake by inverting seismological data of present-day moderate-small earthquakes in the focal area.We relocated those earthquakes with the double-difference method and found focal mechanism solutions using gird test method.The inversion results are as follows:the strike is 21.6°,the dip angle is 89.5°,the slip angle is 170°,the fault length is about 160 km,the lower-boundary depth is about 32 km and the buried depth of upper boundary is about 4 km.This shows that the seismic fault is a NNE-trending upright right-lateral strike-slip fault and has cut through the crust.Moreover,the surface seismic fault,intensity distribution of the earthquake,earthquake-depth distribution and seismic-wave velocity profile in the focal area all verified our study result.     

首都圈地区震源机制解综合研究

Comprehensive statistical analysis was performed on the basic features of focal mechanisms of 619 ML≥2.0 earthquakes which occurred in the capital circle area from January 2002 to June 2010. By dividing the capital area into three studying regions based on regional tectonic characteristics, cluster analysis was conducted on the focal mechanisms of all subregions using the longest distance method in the statistical cluster analysis to study the characteristics of tectonic stress tensors. The result shows that dominant P-axis azimuth distribution is NNE-NEE and that of T-axis is NNW--NWW, most of the focal areas are controlled by a horizontal stress field and rupture is mainly of horizontal strike-slip. The maximum principal compression stress orientation is NE75° in the west, NE62° in the middle, and near EW in the east of the capital area. The regional tectonic stress field is characterized by horizontal compression.     

Inversion of stress field in Guangdong and its adjacent area

We determine the stress field of Guangdong and its adjacent area by using focal mechanism solutions of 137 earthquakes and obtain tectonic stress tensors in 12 zones. The result shows that the azimuth of maximum principal stress σ1 is approximately WNW in southwestern Fujian, southern Jiangxi, Guangdong’s Heyuan and the Pearl River Delta, NW in Guangdong’s Yangjiang, and nearly NNW in the two zones of eastern Guangxi and Beibuwan Gulf (the Northern Gulf), varying clockwise in WNW-NW-NNW from east to west. The azimuth of minimum principal stress σ3 varies from NNE to ENE. The relative magnitude of medium principal stress σ2 (R value), is the smallest in Beibuwan and largest in Longyan of Fujian. Strike-slip faulting is dominated in the study area.     

Research of the Modern Tectonic Stress Field and Seismicity Characteristics on the Northeastern Side of Pamirs

According to the earthquake focal mechanism solutions of 55 moderately strong earthquakes onthe northeastern side of Pamirs,the spatial and temporal distribution of earthquakes ith M_s≥6.0 since this century and the characteristics of hypocenter depth distribution of earthquakeswith M_s≥3.0 since 1980 in this region,the article discusses the relation between regional tee-tonic stress fields and strong earthquake activity.The result shows that the hypocenter disloca-tion is mostly strike-dip,partly dip-slip,and the direction of the principal compressional stressis nearly NS.The distributive characteristics of strong shock activity is obvious,with the gen-eral trend that the west is strong and the east is weak,which can be divided into three imephases,and each with relative principal active region The depth near Pamirs aren reaches200km,shallower obviously when externding to NE,less than or equal to 40km near the Kalpinblock,and the article discusses the result.     

The Tongliao MS5.3 Earthquake and Its Foreshock Determination

Taking the 2013 Tongliao MS5. 3 earthquake as a research subject, on the basis of statistical analysis of earthquake sequence using the HypoDD location method and focal mechanism solutions,the paper analyzes and discusses the relationship between the ML4. 4 and MS5. 3 earthquakes. The results show that the Tongliao MS5. 3 earthquake occurred under the background of medium-small earthquakes long-term quiescence and short-term enhancement in the epicentral area. The results of accurate seismic location shows that the Tongliao MS5. 3 earthquake sequence is distributed in the NW direction,extending 10 km,and the ML≥3. 0 aftershocks are concentrated south of the mainshock. The distance between the MS5. 3 mainshock and the ML4. 4 foreshock is about 1. 8 km,with a focal depth of 7. 208 km and 7. 089 km,respectively,their focal location is very close,and may have occurred on the same fault plane. The results of focal mechanism shows that the Tongliao MS5. 3 earthquake is of the strike-slip type,the focal mechanism of aftershocks are disordered,and with time lapse,the type is changed from strike-slip to thrust and normal faulting. The bigger foreshocks had similar focal mechanism and were all normal fault types,which exhibits to some extent,an obvious crustal medium anisotropy in the epicentral area before macroscopic rupturing,as represented by alignment fractures,with stress action enhanced,this"consistency"of seismic precursor regime would gestate the mainshock. According to the characteristics of temporal-spatial distribution of earthquake sequence and similarity of focal mechanism,we judge that the Tongliao MS5. 3 earthquake sequence is a foreshock-mainshock-aftershock type.