Near-field surface movement during the Wenchuan M s8.0 earthquake measured by high-rate GPS

Abstract

Based on high-rate (1 Hz) GPS data from the Sichuan GPS Continuous Observation Network on the footwall of the Longmenshan Fault, we have characterized the near-field surface movement process during the 5.12 Wenchuan Earthquake. Results show that the maximum deformation near the fault is larger than the deformation set. Stations on the northern segment of the fault moved towards the epicenter first, and then turned toward the vertical orientation of the fault. Deformation of stations on the southern segment is smaller and recovered. The initial motion at all of the stations was downward followed by periodic up and down movements. Comparing the displacement from high-rate GPS and accelerograph data, we can see that they are consistent prior to the arrival of the principal shock, but afterwards a 10 cm difference is found, even though they are synchronized and in phase. More work is yet to be done to explain this. This is the first time that actual the real near-field surface movements of an earthquake of M >7.0 have been determined in china. These measurements are therefore of high value for studies of surface rupture processes and the analysis of seismic wave travels paths in this region.