Study on Segmentation of Active Faults

Abstract:

Tectonic earthquakes are closely related to active faults. A large active fault, generally speaking, usually produces a great earthquake. Our research results show that destructive earthquakes only occur on some special parts or segments along active faults. So the most important thing for mitigation of earthquake hazards is to recognize earthquake-triggering segments by using the theory and method of active fault segmentation. Active faults have typical inconsistent characteristics of rupture and displacement along the faults in temporal and spatial distribution and leave some traces on surface and inner structure such as geomorphologic expression, structural feature, distribution of small earthquakes and rupture sign etc. Based on the characteristics, we may make assessment of earthquake risk in different segment along an active fault and predict the location and intensity of potential destructive earthquakes in future.

Key words:

active faults; earthquake; earthquake rupture segment

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