Research on paleoearthquakes in Jiuxian trenches across Nankou-Sunhe fault zone in Changping County of Beijing plain

Abstract

An abundance of the phenomena of tectonic deformation and paleoseismic events of different times and their recurrent interval, as well as coseismic vertical displacements is exposed in Jiuxian trenches across the Nankou-Sunhe fault zone in Changping County. The research result shows three paleoearthquakes occurring during the Holocene. They were dated as 10643 ± 250 a B.P.—9706 ± 1235 a B.P., 7894±150 a B.P.—7640 ± 650 a B.P., and 3987±100 a B.P.—3670 ± 310 a B.P., respectively. The coseismic vertical displacements are 1.0 m, 2.0 m, and 2.0 m, respectively. From a statistical formula of relation between historic earthquake magnitudes and surface seismic dislocations in North China, the magnitudes of these paleoearthquakes are inferred to be in a range from M 7.7 to M 7.9. The research shows that the Holocene fault activity in the plain can be traced in the trenches according to the micro-geomorphic features. Many micro-structural phenomena are also found in these trenches. Identification of the paleoearthquakes in the Nankou-Sunhe fault zone during the Holocene time is of significance for assessment of future seismic risk in Beijing area.