Spatial distribution of the surface rupture zone associated with the 2001 Ms 8.1 Central Kunlun earthquake, northern Tibet, revealed by satellite remote sensing data

Abstract

The Ms 8.1 Central Kunlun earthquake occurred on 14 November 2001 in northern Tibet, China. Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM) and Thematic Mapper (TM), Système Probatoire de l'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) High Resolution Visible (HRV) panchromatic, and Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) visible and near-infrared (VNIR) images before and after the earthquake are compared to detect the spatial distribution of the surface rupture zone. A surface rupture zone at least 400 km long produced by this event can be accurately identified from satellite sensor images. It is the longest surface rupture zone among the coseismic rupture zones ever reported worldwide. In spatial terms, the surface rupture zone consists of two segments. The eastern segment extends about 350 km striking N75°-85°W (between 91°07' E and 94°55' E), and the western segment bends south-west extending more than 70 km to west of Sun Lake with a strike of N50°E-N70°W (west of 91°07' E). Analyses of satellite sensor images are well consistent with ground data obtained from the field survey. High spatial resolution satellite remote sensing techniques, therefore, provide a rapid and powerful tool to detect the co-seismic surface rupture in the remote and high mountainous Tibet area.