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Remote Sensing Makes it Possible: Prediction and Evaluation of Natural Hazards

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A special issue of Remote Sensing (ISSN 2072-4292). This special issue belongs to the section "Earth Observation for Emergency Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 August 2024) | Viewed by 11896

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Zhongtai He

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Guest Editor

Institute of Geology, China Earthquake Administration, Beijing 100029, China
Interests: seismic disasters prevention; structural geomorphology; earthquake seismology; photogrammetry and remote sensing; earthquake emergency response
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Wenliang Jiang

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Guest Editor

National Institute of Natural Hazards, Ministry of Emergency Management of China, Beijing 100085, China
Interests: comprehensive remote sensing observation technology; remote sensing of active faults and tectonic landforms; visible remote sensing; InSAR and LiDAR technology; earthquake and geological hazards investigation; emergency observation technology of natural disasters

Dr. Dong Li

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Guest Editor

Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100094, China
Interests: LiDAR data processing and application; simultaneous localization and mapping; aerial photogrammetry

Dr. Erick Mas

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Guest Editor

International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8572, Japan
Interests: multi-agent systems and agent-based simulation; tsunami simulation; evacuation simulation; remote sensing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Disasters have always accompanied human society. The progress of modern civilization has made populations and wealth more concentrated, which is more likely to produce significant losses, secondary disasters, and even chain effects in the face of major disasters. For example, the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan on March 11, 2011, caused a large number of casualties as well as property losses and led to secondary disasters, such as nuclear power plant leakage. Disasters have become a key factor threatening the sustainable development of humankind. Remote sensing can obtain global observation data from multi-band, multi-time, and all-weather angles and has the ability of global observation, which is irreplaceable in disaster monitoring. In recent years, the spatial resolution of remote sensing has been rapidly improved, the recognition accuracy has been gradually enhanced, and the time of the repeated observation of ground objects has been continuously shortened. Remote sensing technology has been widely used in the monitoring, assessment, and early warning of disasters. Remote sensing technology is mainly used in earthquakes, landslides, droughts, climate change, and other disasters.

Furthermore, remote sensing data processing methods are the research hotspot because it poses various challenges. Remote sensing technology provides strong technical support for predicting and evaluating disasters. The deep coupling of remote sensing coordination monitoring and emergency response technology systems can significantly reduce the impact of disasters on human beings. We encourage the contribution of remote sensing technology to predicting and evaluating disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, rainstorms, hazes, sandstorms, droughts, forest and grassland fires, snow disasters, and floods.

Prof. Dr. Zhongtai He
Prof. Dr. Wenliang Jiang
Dr. Dong Li
Dr. Erick Mas
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Remote Sensing is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

natural hazards
remote sensing
earthquake hazards
geological disaster
floods and droughts
forest and grassland fires
meteorological disaster
agricultural disaster
emergency and rescue
prediction and evaluation

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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27 pages, 56757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Active Fault Interpretation in the Northern Segment of the Red River Fault Based on Multisource Remote Sensing Data

by Long Guo, Zhongtai He, Zhikun Ren, Xingao Li and Linlin Li

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(21), 3925; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16213925 - 22 Oct 2024

Viewed by 511

Abstract

High-resolution topographic and geomorphic data are important basic data for the study of active structures. Here, multisource remote sensing data were used to reinterpret the active faults in the northern segment of the Red River Fault (China). First, we obtained airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data, high-resolution GaoFen-7 (GF-7) remote sensing image data, and historical aerial photographs, and a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) was generated based on the airborne LiDAR data and GF-7 data. According to the remote sensing interpretation, the main active faults were identified. We subsequently verified the faults in the field and constrained the geographic locations. The current activity was confirmed to be dominantly normal faulting, with some dextral strike-slip components, and the latest active age was the Late Holocene. It reflects the coordination of structural deformation between the rotation of the secondary block and the sliding of the boundary fault within the Sichuan–Yunnan Block. The results show that airborne LiDAR and GF-7 remote sensing data have a great application value in providing high-resolution topographic and geomorphologic data for the study of active structures. The comprehensive application of multisource remote sensing data can greatly improve the reliability of active fault interpretations and provide a reference for follow-up research within the study area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Makes it Possible: Prediction and Evaluation of Natural Hazards)

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22 pages, 64724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics and Tectonic Implications of the Geomorphic Indices of the Watersheds Around the Lijiang–Jinpingshan Fault

by Yongqi Chen, Rui Ding, Shimin Zhang, Dawei Jiang, Luyao Li and Diwei Hua

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(20), 3826; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16203826 - 14 Oct 2024

Viewed by 554

Abstract

The Lijiang–Jinpingshan fault (LJF) is an important secondary boundary fault that obliquely cuts the Sichuan–Yunnan rhombic block. It is of great significance for understanding the tectonic evolution of the Sichuan–Yunnan rhombic block and even the southeastern margin of the Tibet Plateau. Based on a digital elevation model (DEM), this work combines ArcGIS with MATLAB script programs to extract geomorphic indices including slope, the relief degree of the land surface (RDLS), hypsometric integral (HI), and channel steepness index (k_sn) of 593 sub–watersheds and strip terrain profiles around the LJF. By analyzing the spatial distribution characteristics of the geomorphic indices and combining the regional lithology and precipitation conditions, the spatial distribution of the geomorphic indices around the study area was analyzed to reveal the implications of the LJF’s activity. The results of this work indicate that (1) the distribution of geomorphic indices around the LJF may not be controlled by climate and lithological conditions, and the LJF is the dominant factor controlling the geomorphic evolution of the region. (2) The spatial distribution patterns of geomorphic indices and strip terrain profiles reveal that the vertical movement of the LJF resulted in a pronounced uplift on its northwest side, with tectonic activity gradually diminishing from northeast to southwest. Furthermore, based on the spatial distribution characteristics of these geomorphic indices, the activity intensity of the LJF can be categorized into four distinct segments: Jianchuan–Lijiang, Lijiang–Ninglang, Ninglang–Muli, and Muli–Shimian. (3) The activity of the LJF obtained from tectonic geomorphology is consistent with the conclusions obtained in previous geological and geodesic studies. This work provides evidence of the activity and segmentation of the LJF in tectonic geomorphology. The results provide insight for the discussion of tectonic deformation and earthquake disaster mechanisms in the southeastern margin of the Tibet Plateau. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Makes it Possible: Prediction and Evaluation of Natural Hazards)

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18 pages, 3771 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tectonic Activity Analysis of the Laji-Jishi Shan Fault Zone: Insights from Geomorphic Indices and Crustal Deformation Data

by Yujie Ma, Weiliang Huang, Jiale Zhang, Yan Wang, Dong Yu and Baotian Pan

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(20), 3770; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16203770 - 11 Oct 2024

Viewed by 794

Abstract

Fault segmentation plays a critical role in assessing seismic hazards, particularly in tectonically complex regions. The Laji-Jishi Shan Fault Zone (LJSFZ), located on the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, is a key structure that accommodates regional tectonic stress. This study integrates geomorphic indices, cross-fault deformation rate profiles, and 3D crustal electrical structure data to analyze the varying levels of tectonic activity across different segments of the LJSFZ. We extracted 160 drainage basins along the strike of the LJSFZ from a 30 m resolution digital elevation model and calculated geomorphic indices, including the hypsometric integral (HI), stream length-gradient index (SL), and channel steepness index (k_sn), to assess the variations in tectonic activity intensity along the strike of the LJSFZ. The basins were categorized based on river flow directions to capture potential differences across the fault zone. Our results show that the eastern basins of the LJSFZ exhibit the strongest tectonic activity, demonstrated by significantly higher SL and k_sn values compared to other regions. A detailed segmentation analysis along the northern Laji Shan Fault and eastern Jishi Shan Fault identified distinct fault segments characterized by variations in SL and k_sn indices. Segments with high SL values (>500) correspond to higher crustal uplift rates (~3 mm/year), while segments with lower SL values exhibit lower uplift rates (~2 mm/year), as confirmed by cross-fault deformation profiles derived from GNSS and InSAR data. This correlation demonstrates that geomorphic indices effectively reflect fault activity intensity. Additionally, 3D crustal electrical structure data further indicate that highly conductive mid- to lower-crustal materials originating from the interior of the Tibetan Plateau are obstructed at segment L3 of the LJSFZ. This obstruction leads to localized intense uplift and enhanced fault activity. These findings suggest that while the regional stress–strain pattern of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau is the primary driver of the segmented activity along the Laji-Jishi Shan belt, the direction of localized crustal flow is a critical factor influencing fault activity segmentation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Makes it Possible: Prediction and Evaluation of Natural Hazards)

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19 pages, 15362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deep Tectonic Environment Analysis of the Lingshan Conjugate Earthquake within the Qinzhou Fold Belt, South China: Insights Derived from 3D Resistivity Structure Model

by Chunheng Yan, Bin Zhou, Yan Zhan, Xiangyu Sun, Sha Li, Lei Li and Peilan Guo

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(19), 3740; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16193740 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 821

Abstract

The Qinzhou fold belt, situated at the contact zone between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks in South China, was affected by the 1936 Lingshan M6¾ earthquake and the 1958 Lingshan M5¾ earthquake, both of which occurred within the conjugate structure. Understanding the deep seismogenic setting and causal mechanism of the Lingshan conjugate earthquake is of great significance for assessing the seismic disaster risk in the region. In this study, we utilized 237 magnetotelluric datasets and employed three-dimensional electromagnetic inversion to characterize the deep-seated three-dimensional resistivity structure of the Qinzhou fold belt and the Lingshan seismic zone. The results reveal that: (1) The NE-trending faults within the Qinzhou fold belt and adjacent areas are classified as trans-crustal faults. The faults exhibit crust-mantle ductile shear zones in their deeper sections, which are essential in governing regional tectonic deformation and seismic activity; (2) The electrical structure of the Qinzhou fold belt is in line with the tectonic characteristics of a composite orogenic belt, having experienced several phases of tectonic modification. The southeastern region is being influenced by mantle-derived magmatic activities originating from the Leiqiong area over a significant distance; (3) In the Lingshan seismic zone, the NE-trending Fangcheng-Lingshan fault is a trans-crustal fault and the NW-trending Zhaixu fault is an intra-crustal fault. The electrical structure pattern “two low, one high” in the zone has a significant impact on the deep tectonic framework of the area and influences the deformation behavior of shallow faults; and (4) The seismogenic structure of the 1936 Lingshan M6¾ earthquake was the Fangcheng-Lingshan fault. The earthquake’s genesis was influenced by the coupling effect of tectonic stress and deep thermal dynamics. The seismogenic structure of the 1958 Lingshan M5¾ earthquake was the Zhaixu fault. The earthquake’s genesis was influenced by tectonic stress and static stress triggering from the 1936 Lingshan M6¾ earthquake. The conjugate rupture mode in the Lingshan seismic zone is influenced by various factors, including differences in physical properties, rheology of deep materials, and the scale and depth of fault development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Makes it Possible: Prediction and Evaluation of Natural Hazards)

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15 pages, 16261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying the Pabu Normal Fault Scarp, Southern Tibetan Plateau: Insights into Regional Earthquake Risk

by Guanghao Ha and Feng Liu

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(18), 3473; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16183473 - 19 Sep 2024

Viewed by 434

Abstract

The location of the main boundary fault of the Yadong-Gulu Rift (YGR) shifts from the east side in the southern segment to the west side in the northern segment. The Nyemo Graben Group (NGG) connects the southern and northern segments of the YGR and provides clues for understanding the migration of boundary fault locations along the YGR. However, the NGG has received very little attention. In this study, we map the geometry of the Pabu normal fault, which is the boundary fault of the westernmost graben in the NGG, using high-resolution remote sensing images. We then utilized a digital elevation model (DEM) with a spatial resolution of 1 m. Morphometric parameters such as scarp height, width, and slope were obtained from elevation profiles in three typical deformation regions. Our results reveal a fault segment approximately 3 km long that links the southern and northern segments of the Pabu Fault. Each fault segment could be a major segment. Furthermore, based on regional tectonic activity, the Pabu Fault has the potential to produce an earthquake with a magnitude of around M 6.7. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Makes it Possible: Prediction and Evaluation of Natural Hazards)

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16 pages, 14227 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Westward Migration of the Chenghai–Jinsha Drainage Divide and Its Implication for the Initiation of the Chenghai Fault

by Shuang Bian, Xibin Tan, Yiduo Liu, Feng Shi and Junfeng Gong

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(18), 3471; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16183471 - 19 Sep 2024

Viewed by 597

Abstract

The Chenghai Fault in the Chuan–Dian block terminates at the northwestern segment of the Red River Fault, and is a significant seismogenic structure. The kinematic evolution of this fault should be closely related to the regional tectonic deformation. However, it is difficult to obtain information on structural deformation of the Chenghai Fault due to the large amount of precipitation and well-developed vegetation. The Chenghai normal faulting may drive drainage reorganization in this region, which provides a new perspective for reconstructing and evaluating the tectonic history. High-resolution digital elevation models (DEM) obtained by remote sensing greatly facilitate the study of drainage evolution and active tectonics. We use two methods (χ-plot and Gilbert metrics) to measure the drainage divide stability based on the ALOS DEM (12.5 m resolution) and further reproduce the drainage evolution process in response to the asymmetric uplift by numerical modeling. The results show that the Chenghai–Jinsha drainage divide, hosted by the footwall block of the Chenghai Fault, is migrating westward (away from the Chenghai Fault) and will continue moving ~2.2–3.5 km to reach a steady state. Its migration is controlled by the Chenghai normal faulting. The Chenghai–Jinsha drainage divide formed close to the Chenghai Fault’s surface trace and continues to migrate westward in response to the asymmetric uplift. It only took a few million years for the Chenghai–Jinsha drainage divide to migrate to its current location based on the numerical modeling. The restoration of the drainage reorganization implies that the Chenghai Fault initiated in the Pliocene, which probably results from kinematic reversal along the Red River Fault. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Makes it Possible: Prediction and Evaluation of Natural Hazards)

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19 pages, 84736 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Newly Discovered NE-Striking Dextral Strike-Slip Holocene Active Caimashui Fault in the Central Part of the Sichuan-Yunnan Block and Its Tectonic Significance

by Xin Tan, Kuan Liang, Baoqi Ma and Zhongtai He

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(17), 3203; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16173203 - 29 Aug 2024

Viewed by 552

Abstract

The Sichuan-Yunnan block is a tectonically active region in China, with frequent large earthquakes occurring in and around it. Despite most earthquakes being concentrated along boundary faults, intraplate faults also have the potential to generate damaging earthquakes. Remote sensing makes it possible to identify these potential earthquake source faults. During an active fault investigation in the Liangshan area, a distinct lithological boundary named Caimashui fault was found. The geometric distribution and kinematic parameter of the fault is crucial for assessing seismic hazards and understanding the deformation pattern within the Sichuan-Yunnan block. The Caimashui fault is mapped with remote sensing interpretation, a field survey, and UAV measurement. Through trenching and Quaternary dating, the Late Quaternary active characteristics of the fault are studied. The fault is a Holocene active dextral strike-slip fault with a reverse component, exhibiting a dextral strike-slip rate of ~0.70 ± 0.11 mm/a. Paleoseismic investigation shows that the last surface rupture event of the Caimashui fault occurred later than 4150 ± 30a BP, with a magnitude of M ≥ 7.0. The fault may act as a secondary splitting fault, absorbing the deformation caused by various sinistral strike-slip rates of the boundary faults and the potential energy from the counterclockwise rotation of the Central Yunnan micro-block. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Makes it Possible: Prediction and Evaluation of Natural Hazards)

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20 pages, 22743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Application of Remote Sensing Technology in Post-Disaster Emergency Investigations of Debris Flows: A Case Study of the Shuimo Catchment in the Bailong River, China

by Feibiao Huo, Fuyun Guo, Pengqing Shi, Ziyan Gao, Yan Zhao, Yongbin Wang, Xingmin Meng and Dongxia Yue

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(15), 2817; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16152817 - 31 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 765

Abstract

The Bailongjiang River Basin is a high-risk area for debris flow in China. On 17 August 2020, a debris flow occurred in the Shuimo catchment, Wen County, which blocked the Baishui River, forming a barrier lake and causing significant casualties and property damage. In this study, remote sensing, InSAR, field surveys, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) techniques were used to analyze the causal characteristics, material source characteristics, dynamic processes, and disaster characteristics after the debris flow. The results showed that the Shuimo catchment belongs to low-frequency debris flows, with a recurrence cycle of more than 100 years and concealed features. High vegetation coverage (72%) and a long main channel (11.49 km) increase the rainfall-triggering conditions for debris flow occurrence, making it more hidden and less noticed. The Shuimo catchment has a large drainage area of 31.26 km², 15 tributaries, significant elevation differences of 2017 m, and favorable hydraulic conditions for debris flow. The main sources of debris flow material supply are channel erosion and slope erosion, which account for 84.4% of the total material. The collapse of landslides blocking both sides of the main channel resulted in an amplification of the debris flow scale, leading to the blockage of the Baishui River. The scale of the accumulation fan is 28 × 10⁴ m³, and the barrier lake area is 37.4 × 10⁴ m². The formation mechanism can be summarized as follows: rainfall triggering → shallow landslides → slope debris flow → channel erosion → landslide damming → dam failure and increased discharge → deposition and river blockage. The results of this study provide references for remote sensing emergency investigation and analysis of similar low-frequency and concealed debris flows, as well as a scientific basis for local disaster prevention and reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Makes it Possible: Prediction and Evaluation of Natural Hazards)

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23 pages, 20141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Variations of Late Quaternary Slip Rates along the Ganzi–Xianshuihe Fault Zone in the Eastern Tibet

by Kai Sun, Chuanyou Li, Mingjian Liang, Xinnan Li, Quanxing Luo, Guangxue Ren, Feipeng Huang and Junjie Li

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(14), 2612; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16142612 - 17 Jul 2024

Viewed by 596

Abstract

The Ganzi–Xianshuihe Fault Zone is a large-scale sinistral strike-slip fault zone on the eastern Tibet. As the boundary fault zone of the Bayankala Block and the Chuandian Block, it controls the clockwise rotation of the southeastern Tibet. However, there is still controversy regarding the activity changes between fault zones. Therefore, accurately determining the slip rates of faults in the area is crucial for characterizing regional plate motions and assessing associated seismic hazards. We focused on studying four fault segments near the Ganzi–Xianshuihe Fault Zone, including the Manigango, Ganzi, Luhuo, and Daofu segments. In each segment, we selected typical sinistral piercing points and carried out Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry to obtain high-resolution terrain data. We utilized LaDiCaoz_V2.2 and GlobalMapper software (LaDiCaoz_V2.2 and Global Mapper v17.0) to measure the offsets, together with optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, to constrain the timing of fault activity. The estimated slip rates for the Manigango, Ganzi, Luhuo, and Daofu segments are as follows: 9.2 ± 0.75 mm/yr, 9.59 ± 1.7 mm/yr, 4.23 ± 0.66 mm/yr, and 7.69 ± 0.76 mm/yr, respectively. Integrating previous results with slip rates estimated in this study, our analysis suggests the slip rate of the Ganzi–Xianshuihe Fault Zone is around 8–10 mm/year, exhibiting a consistent slip rate from northwest to southeast. This reflects the overall coordination of the movement on the eastern Tibet, with the strike-slip fault zone only controlling the direction of movement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Makes it Possible: Prediction and Evaluation of Natural Hazards)

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20 pages, 14793 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Study on the 143 A.D. West Gangu Earthquake in the West Qinling Area, Northeastern Margin of Tibetan Plateau

by Ruihuan Su, Daoyang Yuan, Hong Xie, Aiguo Wang, Yameng Wen, Jinchao Yu, Yanwen Chen, Hongqiang Li, Hao Sun and Lijun Zhang

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(12), 2109; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16122109 - 11 Jun 2024

Viewed by 867

Abstract

The 143 A.D. west Gangu earthquake is documented to have occurred in the West Qinling area, which is located on the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Initial limited historical records suggest the earthquake took place along the West Qinling fault (WQLF) in the western region of Gangu County. However, the absence of corresponding geological and geomorphological evidence has posed a considerable challenge in accurately quantifying parameters such as the precise location, magnitude, and seismogenic fault segment in earlier investigations. In this study, a comprehensive examination of multiple residual surface rupture zones within the macroseismic zone of this earthquake enabled the determination of the seismogenic structure, magnitude, and rupture zone scale through diverse methodologies, which include field geological investigations, chronology testing, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) aerial surveying, and interpretation of landslides along the fault zone. The results reveal that the seismogenic structure of this seismic event is associated with the Zhangxian fault segment of the WQLF, also marked by a dense distribution of large landslides from Zhangxian to Yuanyangzhen. The epicenter was identified at the eastern end of the Zhangxian fault segment of the WQLF. Furthermore, the magnitude of the 143 A.D. west Gangu earthquake is estimated to be approximately Ms 7–7.3, with the residual surface rupture zone intermittently extending over about 22 km and a maximum horizontal dislocation along the rupture zone of 2.8 ± 0.5 m. This detailed investigation contributes foundational insights for further evaluating the seismic risk across various segments of the WQLF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Makes it Possible: Prediction and Evaluation of Natural Hazards)

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25 pages, 27480 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Bayesian Approach for Forecasting the Probability of Large Earthquakes Using Thermal Anomalies from Satellite Observations

by Zhonghu Jiao and Xinjian Shan

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(9), 1542; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16091542 - 26 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1010

Abstract

Studies have demonstrated the potential of satellite thermal infrared observations to detect anomalous signals preceding large earthquakes. However, the lack of well-defined precursory characteristics and inherent complexity and stochasticity of the seismicity continue to impede robust earthquake forecasts. This study investigates the potential of pre-seismic thermal anomalies, derived from five satellite-based geophysical parameters, i.e., skin temperature, air temperature, total integrated column water vapor burden, outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), and clear-sky OLR, as valuable indicators for global earthquake forecasts. We employed a spatially self-adaptive multiparametric anomaly identification scheme to refine these anomalies, and then estimated the posterior probability of an earthquake occurrence given observed anomalies within a Bayesian framework. Our findings reveal a promising link between thermal signatures and global seismicity, with elevated forecast probabilities exceeding 0.1 and significant probability gains in some strong earthquake-prone regions. A time series analysis indicates probability stabilization after approximately six years. While no single parameter consistently dominates, each contributes precursory information, suggesting a promising avenue for a multi-parametric approach. Furthermore, novel anomaly indices incorporating probabilistic information significantly reduce false alarms and improve anomaly recognition. Despite remaining challenges in developing dynamic short-term probabilities, rigorously testing detection algorithms, and improving ensemble forecast strategies, this study provides compelling evidence for the potential of thermal anomalies to play a key role in global earthquake forecasts. The ability to reliably estimate earthquake forecast probabilities, given the ever-present threat of destructive earthquakes, holds considerable societal and ecological importance for mitigating earthquake risk and improving preparedness strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Makes it Possible: Prediction and Evaluation of Natural Hazards)

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24 pages, 35052 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Keyhole Images to Map Soil Liquefaction Induced by the 1966 Xingtai M_s 6.8 and 7.2 Earthquakes, North China

by Yali Guo, Yueren Xu, Haofeng Li, Lingyu Lu, Wentao Xu and Peng Liang

Remote Sens. 2023, 15(24), 5777; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15245777 - 18 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1387

Abstract

In March 1966, M_s 6.8 and 7.2 earthquakes occurred in Xingtai, North China, resulting in widespread soil liquefaction that caused severe infrastructure damage and economic losses. Using Keyhole satellite imagery combined with aerial images and fieldwork records, we interpreted and identified 66,442 liquefaction points and analyzed the coseismic liquefaction distribution characteristics and possible factors that influenced the Xingtai earthquakes. The interpreted coseismic liquefaction was mainly concentrated above the IX-degree zone, accounting for 80% of all liquefaction points. High-density liquefaction zones (point density > 75 pieces/km²) accounted for 22% of the total liquefaction points. Most of the interpreted liquefaction points were located at the region with a peak ground acceleration (PGA) of >0.46 g. The liquefaction area on 22 March was significantly larger than that on 8 March. The region of liquefaction was mainly limited by sandy soil conditions, water system conditions, and seismic geological conditions and distributed in areas with loose fine sand and silt deposits, a high water table (groundwater level increases before both mainshocks corresponding to the liquefaction intensive regions), rivers, and ancient river channels. Liquefaction exhibited a repeating characteristic in the same region. Further understanding of the liquefaction characteristics of Xingtai can provide a reference for the prevention of liquefaction in northern China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Makes it Possible: Prediction and Evaluation of Natural Hazards)

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13 pages, 5668 KiB

Open AccessTechnical Note

Two Sets of High-Conductivity Systems with Different Scales Reveal the Seismogenic Mechanism of Earthquakes in the Songyuan Area, Northeastern China

by Xiaodong Jia, Zhuoyang Li, Jiangtao Han, Hesheng Hou, Zhonghua Xin, Lijia Liu and Wenyu Liu

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(3), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16030547 - 31 Jan 2024

Viewed by 937

Abstract

To reveal the deep seismogenic environment and mechanism of earthquakes in Songyuan City, Northeastern China, 59 broadband magnetotelluric sites in the Songyuan area were arranged in this study at a spacing of 5 km. In addition, two intersecting magnetotelluric profiles, with a total of 23 measuring sites and a spacing of 2 km, were established near the Ningjiang earthquake swarm. Using a nonlinear conjugate gradient (NLCG) algorithm, resistivity structures in the lithosphere were obtained at different scales using three-dimensional (3D) inversion. The research results show that: a deep high-conductivity system (<10 Ω·m) was identified at 25–85 km depth in the lithosphere under Songyuan, corresponding closely to a region of high heat flow. It is inferred to be the molten material of mantle upwelling. In addition, a shallow high-conductivity system (<10 Ω·m) was identified beneath the Ningjiang earthquake swarm, which is interpreted to correspond to the Fuyu North fault. It is the main seismo-controlling structure of the Ningjiang earthquake swarm. The deep seismogenic environment and seismogenic mechanism of the Ningjiang earthquake swarm can be described as a deep upwelling of molten mantle material, which provides the power source. The deep magma intruded into the lower crust and accumulated, then intruded along faults and fissures, resulting in the activation of the North Fuyu fault and triggering the Ningjiang earthquake. It is attributed to the activation of shallow faults caused by the upwelling of molten mantle material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Makes it Possible: Prediction and Evaluation of Natural Hazards)

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Remote Sensing Makes it Possible: Prediction and Evaluation of Natural Hazards

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