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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Earth Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2025 | Viewed by 5094

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Shaopeng Dong

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Guest Editor

Institute of Geology, China Earthquake Administration, 1 Huayanlijia, Beijing 100029, China
Interests: active tectonics; tectonic geomorphology

Prof. Dr. Zhongyuan Yu

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Guest Editor

Institute of Disaster Prevention, China Earthquake Administration, 465 Xueyuan Str., Sanhe County, Langfang 065201, China
Interests: neotectonic; active tectonics; geological hazards

Dr. Yanxiu Shao

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Guest Editor

School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Interests: tectonic geomorphology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Paleoseismology is an interdisciplinary field that requires the integration of geology, geomorphology, geophysics, remote sensing, Quaternary chronology and other related disciplines. The study of paleoseismology has made remarkable progress in the past 30 years. The theme of this Special Issue is "Paleoseismology and Disaster Prevention", which calls for relevant original articles on topics including but not limited to the following:

New methods and techniques for paleoseismic research;
Recent progress in paleoseismic identification in bedrock areas;
Paleoseismic research on hidden active faults in plain areas;
Paleoseismology and urban disaster prevention and mitigation;
Paleoseismology and seismic fortification of major construction projects;
Paleoseismology and earthquake prediction and hazard assessment;
Paleoseismology and the investigation of natural disaster chains.

Dr. Shaopeng Dong
Prof. Dr. Zhongyuan Yu
Dr. Yanxiu Shao
Guest Editors

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Keywords

paleoseismology
disaster prevention
active tectonics
hazard assessment
earthquake prediction
natural disaster chains
seismic risk

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 28886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tectonic Geomorphology and Quaternary Activity Characteristics of the Jining River Northern Margin Fault, Inner Mongolia, North China

by Haowen Ma and Shaopeng Dong

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4610; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094610 - 22 Apr 2025

Viewed by 121

Abstract

The Jining River northern margin fault is a newly discovered Quaternary active fault, located at the junction of the northeastern corner of the Ordos Block and the Yinshan-Yanshan Uplift (Jining District, Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia). The northeastern margin of the Ordos Block, where the fault is located, is a juxtaposition zone between several active tectonic plates, with widespread active fault distribution and complex tectonic relationships in the region. This study primarily uses seismogeological investigation methods, aiming to reveal the Quaternary activity and seismic hazard of this fault, providing a new analytical perspective on regional seismic activity. Through various methods, geomorphological measurements along the linear scarp of the fault were conducted to determine the distribution of the fault, the surface displacement, and the rupture length caused by its activity. Trenches were excavated at two study sites (Hanqingba and Erjiayan), revealing evidence of paleoearthquake activity. The activity age of the fault was determined through OSL (Optically Stimulated Luminescence) dating of the trench samples. The main conclusions include the following: (1) The fault is a normal fault, spreading along the northern boundary of the Jining Basin, an independent small-scale graben basin in the region, with fault activity controlling basin evolution. (2) The fault was active from the late Middle Pleistocene to the Late Pleistocene, causing scarps in the geomorphology. Since the late Middle Pleistocene, its activity has gradually weakened, with no surface rupture in the Late Pleistocene, and the fault has been inactive in the Holocene. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paleoseismology and Disaster Prevention)

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16 pages, 10174 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution Characteristics of Hanyuan Landslide in Sichuan Province, China, on 21 August 2020

by Shuaishuai Xu and Xiaohu Zhou

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3872; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073872 - 1 Apr 2025

Viewed by 242

Abstract

Synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) has the advantages of a wide monitoring range, high density, high accuracy, and is not limited by weather conditions, providing a new technical means for landslide research. On 21 August 2021, a landslide occurred in Zhonghai Village, Hanyuan County, Ya’an City, Sichuan Province, China, resulting in nine deaths. For the research area, the Small Baseline Subsets InSAR (SBAS-InSAR) technique was used to extract the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics before the landslide occurred (from 16 January 2019 to 22 May 2020), and the height difference before and after the landslide occurrence was extracted using unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry, high-resolution remote sensing images, and digital elevation model data. By analyzing seismic activity, human activities, and rainfall in the study area, the main causes of landslides were discussed. This study not only reduces the losses caused by landslide disasters but also provides a scientific basis and technical support for local governments’ disaster prevention and mitigation work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paleoseismology and Disaster Prevention)

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22 pages, 21951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quaternary Segmentation Characteristics of the Hunhe Fault, Northeast China

by Bo Wan, Guanghao Ha, Xiaohui Zhao and Rui Suo

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020763 - 14 Jan 2025

Viewed by 659

Abstract

The northern segment of the Tanlu fault zone, which encompasses the Dunhua–Mishan and Yilan–Yitong fault zones, plays a critical role in the tectonic framework of Northeast China. This study focuses on the Hunhe fault, part of the Liaoning segment of the Dunhua–Mishan fault zone, which exhibits concealed characteristics and an NE–NEE orientation. We employ remote sensing and field investigations to accurately delineate the Hunhe fault’s location, scale, and tectonic activity. The findings indicate that the Hunhe fault displays significant spatial variability in tectonic activity. Some segments show evidence of late Quaternary activity, contradicting prior research that classified the Hunhe fault as an active fault during the MIS (Marine Isotope Stages) 20-103MIS 20-103- MIS6-19MIS6-19 period and assessed its seismic potential differently. Recent field investigations suggest considerable spatial variability in tectonic activity, indicating segmental characteristics. In this study, the Hunhe fault is divided into segments based on five aspects: the fault structure and movement characteristics of the fault; transverse faults and obstruction structures; geological and geomorphological characteristics; seismic features; and fault activity. The detailed segments are as follows: the Shenyang segment, the Fushun segment, the Zhangdang-Nan Zamu segment, and the Nan Zamu to Ying Emeng East section. These findings aim to enhance the understanding of the seismic hazard potential associated with the Hunhe fault, highlighting the need for ongoing research to address its complexities and implications for regional seismic risk assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paleoseismology and Disaster Prevention)

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16 pages, 14248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Holocene Activity Characteristics and Seismic Risk of Major Earthquakes in the Middle Segment of the Jinshajiang Fault Zone, East of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

by Mingjian Liang, Naifei Luo, Yunxi Dong, Ling Tan, Jinrong Su and Weiwei Wu

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010009 - 24 Dec 2024

Viewed by 551

Abstract

The Jinshajiang fault zone is the western boundary fault of the Sichuan–Yunnan block, located east of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. It is a complex tectonic suture belt with multi-phase activity and is characterized by multiple sets of parallel or intersecting faults. Using high-resolution image interpretation, seismic geological surveys, and trench studies, we examined the Holocene activity and obtained the paleoseismic sequences on the middle segment of the fault zone. Thus, we could analyze the kinematic characteristics of the fault and its potential risk of strong earthquakes. Our results indicated that the predominant movement of the fault zone was strike-slip motion. In the Jinshajiang fault zone, the Late Quaternary horizontal slip rates of the north-northeast-trending Yarigong fault and the northeast-trending Ciwu fault were 3.6 ± 0.6 mm/a and 2.5 ± 0.5 mm/a, respectively. Three paleoseismic events were identified on the Yarigong fault, dated 6745–3848, 3742–1899, and 1494–1112 cal BP, and on the Ciwu fault, constrained to 32,566–29,430, 24,056–22,990, and 2875–2723 cal BP. The last major earthquake on the Ciwu fault occurred approximately 2800 years ago; therefore, its future seismic hazard deserves attention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paleoseismology and Disaster Prevention)

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16 pages, 7838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quaternary Activity and Paleoearthquakes of the Fushan Fault, Shanxi, China

by Xiaobing Yan, Yongsheng Zhou, Xuejing Hao, Ruiguo Ren and Xiaoying Sun

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11250; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311250 - 2 Dec 2024

Viewed by 825

Abstract

The AD 1209 M6.5 Fushan earthquake caused significant casualties and damage. The Fushan Fault, forming the boundary between the Linfen Faulted Basin and uplifted Taihang Mountains, may have been the seismogenic fault, but research is lacking. Based on UAV and field surveys, we found that the Fushan Fault has a surface exposure length of 24 km and displaces Holocene strata. Samples from offset layers within a trench showed that the most recent event occurred within the last 7 ka (i.e., Holocene activity) and that the fault has the potential to generate earthquakes exceeding magnitude 7. Since 17 ka (late Quaternary), two significant paleoearthquakes have been identified: (1) between 17 and 7 ka (displacement: 2.04 m, average slip: 0.2 mm/yr) and (2) within the last 7 ka (displacement: 3.93 m, average slip: 0.56 mm/yr). Since the Late Pleistocene, the displacement rate has increased, indicating an increasing potential seismic hazard. These results were confirmed by terrestrial LiDAR; the bedrock fault surface fractal dimensions are consistent with two paleoearthquake events since the late Quaternary (coseismic displacements of 2.51 and 3.18 m). This article uses an empirical formula to evaluate the potential maximum magnitude of the Fushan Fault based on the relationship between the distribution range of the fault surface and the magnitude. Therefore, the maximum assessed earthquake magnitudes of the Fushan Fault are Ms = 7.07, 6.94, and 7.31. This assessment result basically matches the strength of the 6.5 magnitude Fushan earthquake in 1209 AD. By comparing with historical records, our results confirm that the Fushan Fault was the seismogenic structure responsible for the AD 1209 M6.5 Fushan earthquake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paleoseismology and Disaster Prevention)

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18 pages, 9426 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deformation Distribution Characteristics and Seismic Hazard of the Xianshuihe Fault Zone Based on GNSS and InSAR Data

by Junkai Yao, Changyun Chen, Jingwei Liang, Bingfeng Tao, Qingmeng Wei and Yongyan Du

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11084; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311084 - 28 Nov 2024

Viewed by 773

Abstract

The spatial distribution characteristics and slip rate in the Xianshuihe Fault Zone (XSHFZ) are still subject to controversy, and the segments where creeping movement occurs within the fault remain unclear. In this paper, the three-dimensional deformation field of the XSHFZ and its neighboring areas is obtained by integrating InSAR and GNSS data. Subsequently, based on the three-dimensional deformation field, an elastic dislocation model is employed to analyze the slip rate, locking state, and creeping movement within the XSHFZ. The results show that the XSHFZ is a typical sinistral strike–slip fault with compressional characteristics. The slip rate of the XSHFZ ranges from 9.3 to 14.3 mm/yr. The average strike–slip rate of the Qianning and Kangding segments surpasses that of the eastern and western segments, while the Moxi segment exhibits the lowest slip rate. The locking depth of the XSHFZ is estimated to be between 13 and 26 km, with shallow creep movement predominantly concentrated in three segments: Daofu, Qianning, and Kangding, where the shallow creep rate ranges from 1.5 to 4.9 mm/yr. The XSHFZ is known for its short recurrence period of strong earthquakes and frequent seismic activities. A quantitative study of fault slip rates, locking depth, and creeping movement provides essential support for analyzing its seismic hazards. The seismic hazard of each segment of the Xianshuihe Fault Zone (XSHFZ) was analyzed based on the principle of seismic moment balance. The areas with high seismic hazards in the Xianshuihe Fault Zone correspond to the locations of seismic gaps along the fault. Specifically, the Qianning segment and the Yalahe and Selaha faults within the Kangding segment are associated with seismic gaps and are at risk of experiencing earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.9, 6.9, and 6.6, respectively. The results highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and preparedness measures to mitigate the seismic risks present in the XSHFZ. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paleoseismology and Disaster Prevention)

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21 pages, 37380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A 3D Seismotectonic Model and the Spatiotemporal Relationship of Two Historical Large Earthquakes in the Linfen Basin, North China

by Zhaowu Guo, Renqi Lu, Zhujun Han, Guanshen Liu, Feng Shi, Jing Yang and Xiaobing Yan

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8412; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188412 - 19 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1238

Abstract

The Shanxi Graben is a transitional zone between the Ordos Block and North China Plain with complex structures and frequent earthquakes. Six earthquakes with M ≥ 7.0 have been recorded in the area, including the 1303 Hongtong M 8 and 1695 Linfen M 7.8 earthquakes in the Linfen Basin. Research on these two large earthquakes, closely related in time and space, is lacking. Our objective was to use deep seismic reflection profiles and 3D velocity structure data from previous research, along with seismological observation results, to interpret the geological structure near the source of the two earthquakes. A 3D geometric model of the seismogenic fault was constructed, and the relationships among the deep and shallow structures, deep seismogenic environment, and two large earthquakes were explored. Differences in seismogenic environment between the southern and northern Linfen Basin were identified. The distribution of small earthquakes in the southern Linfen Basin was scattered, and the overall distribution was at depths <25 km. The small earthquakes in the northern part of the basin were dense and concentrated at depths of 25–35 km. Low-velocity layers at an approximate depth of 15–20 km in the southern basin led to differences in seismogenesis between the two regions. Based on the area of the 3D geometric model of the Huoshan Fault, the maximum magnitude of an earthquake caused by fault rupture is Mw 7.7, so the magnitude of the 1303 Hongtong earthquake might be overestimated. Numerical simulation results of Coulomb stress showed that the 1303 Hongtong earthquake had a stress-loading effect on the 1695 Linfen earthquake. The change in Coulomb rupture stress was 1.008–2.543 bar, which is higher than the generally considered earthquake trigger threshold (0.1 bar). We created a new 3D source model of large earthquakes in the Linfen Basin, Shanxi Province, providing a reference and typical cases for risk assessment of large earthquakes in different regions of the Shanxi Graben. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paleoseismology and Disaster Prevention)

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