Remote Sensing

Research

23 pages, 16794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Discontinuous Surface Ruptures and Slip Distributions in the Epicentral Region of the 2021 Mw7.4 Maduo Earthquake, China

by Longfei Han, Jing Liu-Zeng, Wenqian Yao, Wenxin Wang, Yanxiu Shao, Xiaoli Liu, Xianyang Zeng, Yunpeng Gao and Hongwei Tu

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(7), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16071250 - 1 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1205

Abstract

Geometric complexities play an important role in the nucleation, propagation, and termination of strike-slip earthquake ruptures. The 2021 Mw7.4 Maduo earthquake rupture initiated at a large releasing stepover with a complex fault intersection. In the epicentral region, we conducted detailed mapping and [...] Read more.

Geometric complexities play an important role in the nucleation, propagation, and termination of strike-slip earthquake ruptures. The 2021 Mw7.4 Maduo earthquake rupture initiated at a large releasing stepover with a complex fault intersection. In the epicentral region, we conducted detailed mapping and classification of the surface ruptures and slip measurements associated with the earthquake, combining high-resolution uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) images and optical image correlation with field investigations. Our findings indicate that the coseismic ruptures present discontinuous patterns mixed with numerous lateral spreadings due to strong ground shaking. The discontinuous surface ruptures are uncharacteristic in slip to account for the large and clear displacements of offset landforms in the epicentral region. Within the releasing stepovers, the deformation zone revealed from the optical image correlation map indicates that a fault may cut diagonally across the pull-apart basin at depth. The left-lateral horizontal coseismic displacements from field measurements are typically ≤0.6 m, significantly lower than the 1–2.7 m measured from the optical image correlation map. Such a discrepancy indicates a significant proportion of off-fault deformation or the possibility that the rupture stopped at a shallow depth during its initiation phase instead of extending to the surface. The fault network and multi-fault junctions west and south of the epicenter suggest a possible complex path, which retarded the westward propagation at the initial phase of rupture growth. A hampered initiation might enhance the seismic ground motion and the complex ground deformation features at the surface, including widespread shaking-related fissures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Remote Sensing in Investigating Fault Zone Properties over Various Spatial-Temporal Scales)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 14402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Refined Coseismic Slip Model and Surface Deformation of the 2021 Maduo Earthquake: Implications for Sensitivity of Rupture Behaviors to Geometric Complexity

by Xiaoli Liu, Debeier Deng, Zhige Jia, Jing Liu-Zeng, Xinyu Mo, Yu Huang, Qiaozhe Ruan and Juntao Liu

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(4), 713; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16040713 - 18 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1171

Abstract

Geometric complexities of a fault system have a significant impact on the rupture behavior of the fault. The 2021 Mw7.4 Maduo earthquake occurred on a multi-segmented complex sinistral fault in the interior of the Bayan-Har block in the northern Tibetan Plateau. Here, we [...] Read more.

Geometric complexities of a fault system have a significant impact on the rupture behavior of the fault. The 2021 Mw7.4 Maduo earthquake occurred on a multi-segmented complex sinistral fault in the interior of the Bayan-Har block in the northern Tibetan Plateau. Here, we integrate centimeter-resolution surface rupture zones and Sentinel-2 optical displacement fields to accurately determine the geometric parameters of the causative fault in detail. An adaptive quadtree down-sampling method for interferograms was employed to enhance the reliability of the coseismic slip model inversion for interferograms. The optimal coseismic slip model indicated a complex non-planar structure with varying strike and dip angles. The largest slip of ~6 m, at a depth of ~7 km, occurred near a 6 km-wide stepover (a geometric complexity area) to the east of the epicenter, which occurred at the transition zone from sub-shear to super-shear rupture suggested by seismological studies. Optical and SAR displacement fields consistently indicated the local minimization of effective normal stress on releasing stepovers, which facilitated rupture through them. Moreover, connecting intermediate structures contributes to maintaining the rupture propagation through wide stepovers and may even facilitate the transition from subshear to supershear. Our study provides more evidence of the reactivation of a branched fault at the western end during the mainshock, which was previously under-appreciated. Furthermore, we found that a strong asymmetry in slip depth, stress drop, and rupture velocity east and west of the epicenter was coupled with variations in geometric and structural characteristics of fault segments along the strike. Our findings highlight the sensitivity of rupture behaviors to small-scale details of fault geometry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Remote Sensing in Investigating Fault Zone Properties over Various Spatial-Temporal Scales)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3150 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Channel Profiles Reveal Fault Activity along the Longmen Shan, Eastern Tibetan Plateau

by Wei Wang, Yanxiu Shao, Jinyu Zhang, Wenxin Wang and Renqi Lu

Remote Sens. 2023, 15(19), 4721; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15194721 - 27 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1273

Abstract

Assessing fault activity in regions lacking Quaternary sedimentary constraints remains a global challenge. In this study, we used channel slope distribution to examine variations in rock uplift along faults. By comparing channel steepness with published low-temperature thermochronology and paleo-seismic data, we identified deformation [...] Read more.

Assessing fault activity in regions lacking Quaternary sedimentary constraints remains a global challenge. In this study, we used channel slope distribution to examine variations in rock uplift along faults. By comparing channel steepness with published low-temperature thermochronology and paleo-seismic data, we identified deformation changes both perpendicular to and along the Longmen Shan at various time scales. Our data revealed distinct fault segments displaying distinct thrust activities along the Longmen Shan’s strike. In the southern segment, the Dachuan fault exhibited the highest activity, and its movement had persisted for millions of years. In the central segment, the Wenchuan fault was active during theearly Quaternary but has become dormant since the late Pleistocene. Within the past millions of years, the Yingxiu and Pengguan faults displayed significant vertical displacement. Fault activity in the northern Longmen Shan was relatively weak, with the Qingchuan fault transitioning from thrust movement during the Neogene to pure strike-slip activity since the Pleistocene. Overall, the Dachuan and Huya faults exhibited deformation patterns similar to the Yingxiu fault during the Quaternary. Similar to the Yingxiu fault, which triggered the Wenchuan earthquake, the Dachuan and Huya faults possess the capacity to produce significant earthquakes in the future. The variations in deformation perpendicular to and along the Longmen Shan fault system underscore the importance of upper crustal shortening in shaping the rock uplift patterns and topography of the eastern Tibetan Plateau margin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Remote Sensing in Investigating Fault Zone Properties over Various Spatial-Temporal Scales)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 33148 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Typical Fine Structure and Seismogenic Mechanism Analysis of the Surface Rupture of the 2022 Menyuan Mw 6.7 Earthquake

by Yameng Wen, Daoyang Yuan, Hong Xie, Ruihuan Su, Qi Su, Zhimin Li, Hao Sun, Guojun Si, Jinchao Yu, Yanwen Chen, Hongqiang Li and Lijun Zhang

Remote Sens. 2023, 15(18), 4375; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15184375 - 6 Sep 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1469

Abstract

On 8 January 2022, a seismic event of significant magnitude (Mw 6.7, Ms 6.9) occurred in the northeastern region of the Tibetan Plateau. This earthquake was characterized by left-lateral strike-slip motion, accompanied by a minor reverse movement. The Menyuan earthquake resulted in the [...] Read more.

On 8 January 2022, a seismic event of significant magnitude (Mw 6.7, Ms 6.9) occurred in the northeastern region of the Tibetan Plateau. This earthquake was characterized by left-lateral strike-slip motion, accompanied by a minor reverse movement. The Menyuan earthquake resulted in the formation of two main ruptures and one secondary rupture. These ruptures were marked by a left-lateral step zone that extended over a distance of 1 km between the main ruptures. The length of the rupture zones was approximately 37 km. The surface rupture zone exhibited various features, including left-lateral offset small gullies, riverbeds, wire fences, road subgrades, mole tracks, cracks, and scarps. Through a comprehensive field investigation and precise measurement using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery, 111 coseismic horizontal offsets were determined, with the maximum offset recorded at 2.6 ± 0.3 m. The analysis of aftershocks and the findings from the field investigation led to the conclusion that the earthquake was triggered by the Lenglongling fault and the Tuolaishan fault. These faults intersected at a release double-curved structure, commonly referred to as a stepover. During this particular process, the Lenglongling fault was responsible for initiating the coseismic rupture of the Sunan–Qilian fault. It is important to note that the stress applied to the Tuolaishan fault has not been fully relieved, indicating the presence of potential future hazards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Remote Sensing in Investigating Fault Zone Properties over Various Spatial-Temporal Scales)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 40233 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Holocene Activity of the Wudaoliang–Changshagongma Fault of the Eastern Tibetan Plateau

by Mingjian Liang, Yun Dong, Cheng Liao, Yulong Qin, Huiping Zhang, Weiwei Wu, Hong Zuo, Wenying Zhou, Changli Xiong, Li Yang, Yue Gong and Tian Li

Remote Sens. 2023, 15(9), 2458; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15092458 - 7 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1577

Abstract

The Wudaoliang–Changshagongma fault is one of the NW-trending faults located within the southern Bayan Har Block of the Tibetan Plateau in China. In this paper, we used high-resolution imagery and digital elevation model data to study the geomorphological and geological characteristics of the [...] Read more.

The Wudaoliang–Changshagongma fault is one of the NW-trending faults located within the southern Bayan Har Block of the Tibetan Plateau in China. In this paper, we used high-resolution imagery and digital elevation model data to study the geomorphological and geological characteristics of the fault. Furthermore, the result also determined the fault trace and estimated the average horizontal slip rate of the fault since the late Quaternary to have been 2.6 ± 0.6 mm/a. This slip rate is approximately equivalent to that of the Awancang, Madoi–Garde, and Dari faults, which are also located within the block. Furthermore, the slip rates of these faults obtained by remote sensing and geological methods are consistent with GPS observations. It indicates that tectonic deformation within the block is continuous and diffuse. Using trenching study results and sedimentary radiocarbon dating, we identified four paleoearthquake events that occurred at 42,378–32,975, 33,935–20,663, 5052–4862, and after 673–628 cal BP, respectively. The recurrence intervals of large earthquakes on the faults within the block are much longer than those of the boundary faults, and the slip rates are also smaller, indicating that faults within the block play a regulatory role in the tectonic deformation of the Bayan Har Block. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Remote Sensing in Investigating Fault Zone Properties over Various Spatial-Temporal Scales)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 7651 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Water and Stress Transfers from Ground Surface on the Shallow Earthquake of 11 November 2019 at Le Teil (France)

by André Burnol, Antoine Armandine Les Landes, Daniel Raucoules, Michael Foumelis, Cécile Allanic, Fabien Paquet, Julie Maury, Hideo Aochi, Théophile Guillon, Mickael Delatre, Pascal Dominique, Adnand Bitri, Simon Lopez, Philippe P. Pébaÿ and Behrooz Bazargan-Sabet

Remote Sens. 2023, 15(9), 2270; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15092270 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2340

Abstract

The 4.9 Mw earthquake of 11 November 2019 at Le Teil (France) occurred at a very shallow depth (about 1 km), inducing the surface rupture of La Rouvière fault. The question was raised shortly after about the potential impact of a nearby surface [...] Read more.

The 4.9 Mw earthquake of 11 November 2019 at Le Teil (France) occurred at a very shallow depth (about 1 km), inducing the surface rupture of La Rouvière fault. The question was raised shortly after about the potential impact of a nearby surface quarry. Thanks to satellite differential interferometry, here, we revealed the existence of a secondary surface rupture of the quasi-parallel Bayne Rocherenard fault. A newly processed seismic cross-section allowed us to shape the three-dimensional geometry of the local three-fault system. Assuming that the earthquake was triggered by the impact of meteoric water recharge, our numerical simulations show that the hydraulic pressure gradient at depth was at a maximum during the period of 2010–2019, just before the seismic event. The estimated overpressure at the intersection of the two faults, which is the most probable place of the hypocenter, was close to 1 MPa. This hydraulic effect is about two and a half times larger than the cumulative effect of mechanical stress release due to the mass removal from the surface quarry over the two past centuries. This work suggests a rapid hydraulic triggering mechanism on a network of faults at a shallow depth after a heavy rainfall episode. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Remote Sensing in Investigating Fault Zone Properties over Various Spatial-Temporal Scales)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

23 pages, 22918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping of Soil Liquefaction Associated with the 2021 Mw 7.4 Maduo (Madoi) Earthquake Based on the UAV Photogrammetry Technology

by Wenxin Wang, Jing Liu-Zeng, Yanxiu Shao, Zijun Wang, Longfei Han, Xuwen Shen, Kexin Qin, Yunpeng Gao, Wenqian Yao, Guiming Hu, Xianyang Zeng, Xiaoli Liu, Wei Wang, Fengzhen Cui, Zhijun Liu, Jinyang Li and Hongwei Tu

Remote Sens. 2023, 15(4), 1032; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15041032 - 14 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2971

Abstract

The 2021 Mw 7.4 Maduo (Madoi) earthquake that struck the northern Tibetan Plateau resulted in widespread coseismic deformation features, such as surface ruptures and soil liquefaction. By utilizing the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry technology, we accurately recognize and map 39,286 liquefaction sites [...] Read more.

The 2021 Mw 7.4 Maduo (Madoi) earthquake that struck the northern Tibetan Plateau resulted in widespread coseismic deformation features, such as surface ruptures and soil liquefaction. By utilizing the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry technology, we accurately recognize and map 39,286 liquefaction sites within a 1.5 km wide zone along the coseismic surface rupture. We then systematically analyze the coseismic liquefaction distribution characteristics and the possible influencing factors. The coseismic liquefaction density remains on a higher level within 250 m from the surface rupture and decreases in a power law with the increasing distance. The amplification of the seismic waves in the vicinity of the rupture zone enhances the liquefaction effects near it. More than 90% of coseismic liquefaction occurs in the peak ground acceleration (PGA) > 0.50 g, and the liquefaction density is significantly higher in the region with seismic intensity > VIII. Combined with the sedimentary distribution along-strike of the surface rupture, the mapped liquefaction sites indicate that the differences in the sedimentary environments could cause more intense liquefaction on the western side of the epicenter, where loose Quaternary deposits are widely spread. The stronger coseismic liquefaction sites correspond to the Eling Lake section, the Yellow River floodplain, and the Heihe River floodplain, where the soil is mostly saturated with loose fine-grained sand and the groundwater level is high. Our results show that the massive liquefaction caused by the strong ground shaking during the Maduo (Madoi) earthquake was distributed as the specific local sedimentary environment and the groundwater level changed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Remote Sensing in Investigating Fault Zone Properties over Various Spatial-Temporal Scales)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 8805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Potential Earthquake with Magnitude Mw 7.2 on the Northern Xiaojiang Fault Revealed by GNSS Measurement

by Yun Zhou, Lisheng Xu, Zhengyang Pan, Ming Hao and Chunlai Li

Remote Sens. 2023, 15(4), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15040944 - 8 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2134

Abstract

We used near-field and regional GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data to quantify the deformation and locking ratio of the Xiaojiang fault (XJF) in southeastern Tibet. The inversion based on the dislocation model shows that the slip rate of the XJF is 9–11 [...] Read more.

We used near-field and regional GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data to quantify the deformation and locking ratio of the Xiaojiang fault (XJF) in southeastern Tibet. The inversion based on the dislocation model shows that the slip rate of the XJF is 9–11 mm/a; the locking depths of the northern, central, and southern segments are 25.5 km, 12 km, and 22.5 km, respectively. The inversion with DEFNODE program shows that the locking of the northern segment is the strongest above a depth of 20 km, while the locking between 20 km and 26 km is intermediate, and the weakest locking is found below 26 km. In the central segment, the depths of the interface are 6 km and 12 km. Additionally, a locked asperity that has the potential of generating an Mw 7.2 earthquake along the northern segment is delineated. The asperity and the shallow locking zone are basically consistent with the rupture area of the 1733 M 7.8 Dongchuan earthquake and the 1833 M 8 Songming earthquake, respectively. Both the activity of the historical strong earthquakes and the seismicity of the microearthquakes recorded over recent years seem to suggest that a potential earthquake is imminent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Remote Sensing in Investigating Fault Zone Properties over Various Spatial-Temporal Scales)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 7106 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Imaging the Fault Zone Structure of the Pearl River Estuary Fault in Guangzhou, China, from Waveform Inversion with an Active Source and Dense Linear Array

by Xiaona Ma, Weitao Wang, Shanhui Xu, Wei Yang, Yunpeng Zhang and Chuanjie Dong

Remote Sens. 2023, 15(1), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15010254 - 1 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1779

Abstract

Since high-resolution structure imaging of active faults within urban areas is vital for earthquake hazard mitigation, we perform a seismic survey line crossing the Pearl River Estuary Fault (PREF) in Guangzhou, China. First, ten shots of a new and environmentally friendly gas explosion [...] Read more.

Since high-resolution structure imaging of active faults within urban areas is vital for earthquake hazard mitigation, we perform a seismic survey line crossing the Pearl River Estuary Fault (PREF) in Guangzhou, China. First, ten shots of a new and environmentally friendly gas explosion source are excited with about 1 km spacing and recorded by 241 nodal short-period seismometers with an average spacing of 60 m. Then, based on these acquisition data, we adopt waveform inversion to explore the kinematic and dynamic information of early arrival wavefields to recover the subsurface structures. The inversion results indicate that while the low-velocity zone (LVZ) in depth surrounding the PREF is 2.5 km in width and extended to 0.7 km, another LVZ of 1.5 km in width and extended to 0.7 km in depth is surrounded by the Beiting–Nancun fault. We observe that the analysis of evolution and activities of the fault systems reveal no historical earthquakes in our study area; we interpret that the two LVZs controlled by the faults are probably attributed to the fluid dynamics, sediment source, and fault motion at different geological times, rather than fault-related damage zones. The results can provide significant basis for earthquake prevention and hazard assessment in Guangzhou. The finding also shows that the waveform inversion can effectively explore the fine structure of active faults in urban area with dense linear array and spare active source excitations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Remote Sensing in Investigating Fault Zone Properties over Various Spatial-Temporal Scales)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 15408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Improved Source Model of the 2021

M_{w}

6.1 Yangbi Earthquake (Southwest China) Based on InSAR and BOI Datasets

by Hao Lu, Guangcai Feng, Lijia He, Jihong Liu, Hua Gao, Yuedong Wang, Xiongxiao Wu, Yuexin Wang, Qi An and Yingang Zhao

Remote Sens. 2022, 14(19), 4804; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14194804 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2116

Abstract

The azimuth displacement derived by pixel offset tracking (POT) or multiple aperture InSAR (MAI) measurements is usually used to characterize the north-south coseismic deformation caused by large earthquakes (

M

> 6.5), but its application in the source parameter inversion of moderate-magnitude earthquakes [...] Read more.

The azimuth displacement derived by pixel offset tracking (POT) or multiple aperture InSAR (MAI) measurements is usually used to characterize the north-south coseismic deformation caused by large earthquakes (

M

> 6.5), but its application in the source parameter inversion of moderate-magnitude earthquakes (~

M

6.0) is rare due to the insensitive observation accuracy. Conventional line-of-sight (LOS) displacements derived by the Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) have limited ability to constrain the source parameters of the earthquake with near north-south striking. On 21 May 2021, an

M_{w}

6.1 near north-south striking earthquake occurred in Yangbi County, Yunnan Province, China. In this study, we derive both the coseismic LOS displacement and the burst overlap interferometry (BOI) displacement from the Sentinel-1 data to constrain the source model of this event. We construct a single-segment fault geometry and estimate the coseismic slip distribution by inverting the derived LOS and BOI-derived azimuth displacements. Inversion results show that adding the BOI-derived azimuth displacements to source modeling can improve the resolution of the slip model by ~15% compared with using the LOS displacements only. The coseismic slip is mainly distributed 2 to 11 km deep, with a maximum slip of approximately 1.1 m. Coulomb stress calculation shows a maximum Coulomb stress increment of ~0.05 Mpa at the north-central sub-region of the Red River Fault. In addition, there is a small Coulomb stress increase at the Southern end of the Weixi-Weishan fault. The potential seismic risks on the Weixi-Weishan and Northwest section of the Red River faults should be continuously monitored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Remote Sensing in Investigating Fault Zone Properties over Various Spatial-Temporal Scales)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 6202 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The 2021 Mw6.7 Lake Hovsgol (Mongolia) Earthquake: Irregular Normal Faulting with Slip Partitioning Controlled by an Adjacent Strike-Slip Fault

by Yuqing He, Teng Wang and Li Zhao

Remote Sens. 2022, 14(18), 4553; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14184553 - 12 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2064

Abstract

In transtensional regions, structures striking obliquely to the extension direction generally exhibit oblique or partitioned slips. However, their on-fault partitioning patterns and controlling factors are less known, hindering our understanding of the evolution of the rifting process. Here, we study the slip distribution [...] Read more.

In transtensional regions, structures striking obliquely to the extension direction generally exhibit oblique or partitioned slips. However, their on-fault partitioning patterns and controlling factors are less known, hindering our understanding of the evolution of the rifting process. Here, we study the slip distribution of the 2021 Mw6.7 Lake Hovsgol (Mongolia) earthquake occurred in a pull-apart basin using InSAR observations. Our preferred slip model shows a remarkable feature, with three zones exhibiting distinct slip directions at different depths. The Coulomb stress change analysis reveals that this pattern is likely controlled by the left-lateral motion of the Mondy Fault to the north, which also inhibits the growth of a boundary fault to the east of the lake, shaping the asymmetric graben structure in this region. Our results imply the important role of major strike-slip faults bounding the pull-apart basin in the formation and evolution of the oblique rift. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Remote Sensing in Investigating Fault Zone Properties over Various Spatial-Temporal Scales)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 23485 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Late Cenozoic to Present Kinematic of the North to Eastern Iran Orogen: Accommodating Opposite Sense of Fault Blocks Rotation

by Ahmad Rashidi, Majid Shahpasandzadeh and Carla Braitenberg

Remote Sens. 2022, 14(16), 4048; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14164048 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2094

Abstract

The opposite-sense fault block rotation across the continental strike-slip faulting plays an important role in accommodating crustal deformation in the north of the East Iran orogen. This research constrains the post-Neogene kinematics of the NW-SE to E-W left-lateral transpressional zones at the northern [...] Read more.

The opposite-sense fault block rotation across the continental strike-slip faulting plays an important role in accommodating crustal deformation in the north of the East Iran orogen. This research constrains the post-Neogene kinematics of the NW-SE to E-W left-lateral transpressional zones at the northern termination of the N-S striking right-lateral Neh fault system in the East Iran orogen. Using two case studies, we analyzed the NW-SE Birjand splay and the E-W Shekarab transpression zone by analysis of satellite images, structural features, fault geometry and kinematics, GPS (Global Positioning System) velocities, fault- and earthquake-slip stress inversion, and paleomagnetic data. Our results show two distinctive regions of opposite-sense fault block rotations and with different rotation rates. As an asymmetric arc, the Birjand splay displays a transition from the prevailing N-S right lateral shear in the east to NW-SE left lateral transpression in the middle and E-W left lateral shear in the west. In the east, with clockwise fault block rotation, the N-S right lateral faults and the NW-SE oblique left-lateral reverse faults constitute push-ups through the restraining fault bends. In the west, with counterclockwise fault block rotation, the Shekarab transpression zone is associated with the duplex, pop-up, and shear folds. Our suggested kinematic model reveals that the N-S right-lateral shear is consumed on the left-lateral transpressional zones through the vertical axis fault block rotation. This led to an E-W shortening and N-S along-strike lengthening in the East Iran orogen. This research improves our understanding of how opposite fault block rotations accommodate India- and Eurasia-Arabia convergence in the north of the East Iran orogen. The suggested model has implications in the kinematic evolution of intra-plate strike-slip faulting through continental collision tectonics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Remote Sensing in Investigating Fault Zone Properties over Various Spatial-Temporal Scales)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 6575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role of the Nyainrong Microcontinent in Seismogenic Mechanism and Stress Partitioning: Insights from the 2021 Nagqu Mw 5.7 Earthquake

by Xiaoge Liu, Lei Xie, Yujiang Li, Bingquan Han, Zhidan Chen and Wenbin Xu

Remote Sens. 2022, 14(15), 3834; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14153834 - 8 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1908

Abstract

The Nyainrong microcontinent carries key information about the ongoing evolution of the central Tibetan Plateau. The 2021 Mw 5.7 Nagqu earthquake is the largest instrumentally recorded event inside this microcontinent, which provides an ideal opportunity to elucidate the influence of this ancient microcontinent [...] Read more.

The Nyainrong microcontinent carries key information about the ongoing evolution of the central Tibetan Plateau. The 2021 Mw 5.7 Nagqu earthquake is the largest instrumentally recorded event inside this microcontinent, which provides an ideal opportunity to elucidate the influence of this ancient microcontinent on the seismogenic mechanisms, stress heterogeneity and strain partitioning across the Tibetan Plateau. Here, we constrain the seismogenic fault geometry and distributed fault slip using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) observations. By using the regional focal mechanism solutions, we invert the stress regimes surrounding the Nyainrong microcontinent. Our analysis demonstrates that the mainshock was caused by a normal fault with a comparable sinistral strike-slip component on a North-West dipping fault plane. The Nyainrong microcontinent is surrounded by a dominant normal faulting stress regime to the northeast and a dominant strike-slip stress regime to the southwest. Moreover, the clockwise rotation of the maximum horizontal stress (SHmax) from the southwest to the northeast is ~20°. This indicates that the Nyainrong microcontinent is involved in the mainshock occurrence as well as regional stress heterogeneity, and strain partitioning. Our results highlight the significance of the ancient microcontinent in the tectonic evolution of the Tibetan Plateau. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Remote Sensing in Investigating Fault Zone Properties over Various Spatial-Temporal Scales)

► Show Figures