Zhifeng Ding

Aftershock Sequence: Monitoring and Analysis

Based on the regional and local seismic networks, especially the temporary mobile seismic stations deployed in the epicentral region, the aftershock sequence of the Lushan earthquake was well constrained. ETAS model was applied to the analysis of the aftershock activity, approaching to the seismological information service facilitating the rescue and relief actions as well as the scientific investigation of the earthquake.

An Aftershock of the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake

Whether the Lushan earthquake is one of the late aftershocks of the Wenchuan earthquake is a scientific issue subject to debate. This is by no means of only academic interest: In the perspective of seismic hazard assessment, if the Lushan earthquake can be regarded as one of the ‘late’ aftershocks of the Wenchuan earthquake, then the time-dependent seismic hazard of the southern Longmenshan fault zone has to be considered at the time scale of aftershock attenuation. Otherwise if the Lushan earthquake is an independent major earthquake, then the seismic hazard of the southern Longmenshan fault zone can be considered at the time scale of strong earthquake recurrence.

Time-Dependent Seismic Hazard of the Southern Longmenshan Fault Zone and the Sichuan-Yunnan Region: Earthquake Predictability and Its Limit

Time-dependent seismic hazard is one of the critical issues for the social sustainability and one of the challenging scientific problems in earthquake science. For the southern Longmenshan fault zone as well as the Sichuan-Yunnan region, lessons and experiences of the Lushan earthquake provide rich raw materials for further scientific investigation, albeit still with a long distance to the systematic and practice-oriented understandings.

Tectonic Setting of the Earthquake

The seismo-tectonic picture of the Lushan earthquake is clear at the scales of lithospheric plate and crustal block, but remains puzzle at the scale of seismogenic faults. Role of such ‘missing earthquakes’ in seismic hazard analysis is a question worth discussing.

An Earthquake Occurred in the Time of the Internet and the Microblog/Twitter

The Lushan earthquake occurred in the time of the Internet and the Microblog/Twitter, providing some fresh phenomenology for understanding the impact of earthquakes on our society.

The April 20, 2013, Lushan, Sichuan, China, Earthquake: An Overview

The April 20, 2013, Lushan, Sichuan, China, earthquake is one of the significant earthquakes in China in the 21st century. The earthquake was a test of the enhancement of the capacity to protect against earthquake disasters since the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, and a test of earthquake science and technology in China.

Scientific Products Serving the Earthquake Emergency

Serving the emergency response to the Lushan earthquake, several scientific products were produced and disseminated by the CEA institutions. This system of emergency-oriented scientific information service, which had been established since the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, is tested by the earthquake emergency response. Quality control and improvement of such scientific products need a systems engineering perspective, which could be understood using the language of the technology readiness level (TRL).

The Field Investigation of the Earthquake

Organized by the China Earthquake Administration (CEA), Field Investigation was conducted after the Lushan earthquake. The Field Investigation can be divided into two stages: the stage of emergency, and the post-emergency stage.

Locally Characterized Seismic Destruction Phenomenology

Field investigation of the engineering damages of the Lushan earthquake revealed some new and to much extent unique damage phenomena. The performance of the engineering facilities as well as the lifeline system also provide an opportunity to evaluate the post-Wenchuan-earthquake reconstruction, which will be interesting not only for the local people but also for other places subject to similar seismic risk.

Concluding Remarks Without Conclusions: Earthquake and Disaster Phenomenology not yet Included in our Textbooks

Each earthquake teaches us on the understanding of earthquakes and the reduction of earthquake disaster risk. Earthquake and disaster phenomenology, although being empirical and to much extent in lack of systematic features, play an important role both in the advancement of earthquake science and technology and in the collaborative efforts for social sustainability.