Characteristics of crustal strain associated with M=6.4 Baotou earthquake in 1996

Based on the horizontal crustal strain derived from GPS data and the rate accumulation intensity calculated from across-fault vertical deformation, the strain characteristics in the periods of 1992–1995, 1995–1996 and 1996–1999 in Baotou-Datong area is studied in the paper. From the comparison between the crustal strains before and after the M=6.4 Baotou earthquake occurred on May 3, 1996, it is considered that the high-magnitude area with predominant compressive strain might be the seismogenic zone for a coming strong earthquake. The area with the simultaneous higher surface strain, principal compressive strain, shear strain and tendency accumulation might be the place with higher risk of strong earthquakes. Generally, the area with low strain and predominant tensile strain might have a small possibility for strong earthquake development, which belongs to a stable area. The evolution of horizontal strain obtained from GPS measurements carried out in Baotou-Datong area in the period of 1992–1999 reflects the total developing and ending processes of the seismic episode from 1996 to 1998. The area with high and predominant compressive strain and the strain gradient zone can be considered as one of the indicators for determining the strong earthquake risk area in the future.