On the basis of summarizing the circulation characteristics and mechanism of earthquakes with magnitude 7 or above in continental China, the spatial-temporal migration characteristics, mechanism and future development trend of earthquakes with magnitude above 7 in Tibetan block area are analyzed comprehensively. The results show that there are temporal clustering and spatial zoning of regional strong earthquakes and large earthquakes in continental China, and they show the characteristics of migration and circulation in time and space. In the past 100a, there are four major earthquake cluster areas that have migrated from west to east and from south to north, i.e. 1)Himalayan seismic belt and Tianshan-Baikal seismic belt; 2)Mid-north to north-south seismic belt in Tibetan block area; 3)North-south seismic belt-periphery of Assam cape; and 4)North China and Sichuan-Yunnan area. The cluster time of each area is about 20a, and a complete cycle time is about 80a. The temporal and spatial images of the migration and circulation of strong earthquakes are consistent with the motion velocity field images obtained through GPS observations in continental China. The mechanism is related to the latest tectonic activity in continental China, which is mainly affected by the continuous compression of the Indian plate to the north on the Eurasian plate, the rotation of the Tibetan plateau around the eastern Himalayan syntaxis, and the additional stress field caused by the change of the earth's rotation speed.
    Since 1900AD, the Tibetan block area has experienced three periods of high tides of earthquake activity clusters(also known as earthquake series), among which the Haiyuan-Gulang earthquake series from 1920 to 1937 mainly occurred around the active block boundary structural belt on the periphery of the Tibetan block region, with the largest earthquake occurring on the large active fault zone in the northeastern boundary belt. The Chayu-Dangxiong earthquake series from 1947 to 1976 mainly occurred around the large-scale boundary active faults of Qiangtang block, Bayankala block and eastern Himalayan syntaxis within the Tibetan block area. In the 1995-present Kunlun-Wenchuan earthquake series, 8 earthquakes with M_S7.0 or above have occurred on the boundary fault zones of the Bayankala block. Therefore, the Bayankala block has become the main area of large earthquake activity on the Tibetan plateau in the past 20a. The clustering characteristic of this kind of seismic activity shows that in a certain period of time, strong earthquake activity can occur on the boundary fault zone of the same block or closely related blocks driven by a unified dynamic mechanism, reflecting the overall movement characteristics of the block. The migration images of the main active areas of the three earthquake series reflect the current tectonic deformation process of the Tibetan block region, where the tectonic activity is gradually converging inward from the boundary tectonic belt around the block, and the compression uplift and extrusion to the south and east occurs in the plateau. This mechanism of gradual migration and repeated activities from the periphery to the middle can be explained by coupled block movement and continuous deformation model, which conforms to the dynamic model of the active tectonic block hypothesis.
    A comprehensive analysis shows that the Kunlun-Wenchuan earthquake series, which has lasted for more than 20a, is likely to come to an end. In the next 20a, the main active area of the major earthquakes with magnitude 7 on the continental China may migrate to the peripheral boundary zone of the Tibetan block. The focus is on the eastern boundary structural zone, i.e. the generalized north-south seismic belt. At the same time, attention should be paid to the earthquake-prone favorable regions such as the seismic empty sections of the major active faults in the northern Qaidam block boundary zone and other regions. For the northern region of the Tibetan block, the areas where the earthquakes of magnitude 7 or above are most likely to occur in the future will be the boundary structural zones of Qaidam active tectonic block, including Qilian-Haiyuan fault zone, the northern margin fault zone of western Qinling, the eastern Kunlun fault zone and the Altyn Tagh fault zone, etc., as well as the empty zones or empty fault segments with long elapse time of paleo-earthquake or no large historical earthquake rupture in their structural transformation zones. In future work, in-depth research on the seismogenic tectonic environment in the above areas should be strengthened, including fracture geometry, physical properties of media, fracture activity behavior, earthquake recurrence rule, strain accumulation degree, etc., and then targeted strengthening tracking monitoring and earthquake disaster prevention should be carried out.

The Daqingshan Fault located in the northern margin of the Hetao Basin has experienced intensive activity since late Quaternary, which is of great significance to the molding of the present geomorphology. Since basin geomorphological factors can be used to reflect regional geomorphological type and development characteristics, the use of typical geomorphology characteristics indexes may reveal the main factors that control the formation of topography. In recent years, more successful research experience has been accumulated by using hypsometric integral(HI) values and channel steepness index(k_sn)to quantitatively obtain geomorphic parameters to reveal regional tectonic uplift information. The rate of bedrock uplifting can be reflected by channel steepness index, the region with steep gradient has high rate of bedrock uplifting, while the region with slower slope has low rate of bedrock uplifting. The tectonic uplift can shape the geomorphic characteristics by changing the elevation fluctuation of mountains in study area, and then affect the hypsometric integral values distribution trend, thus, the HI value can be used to reflect the intensity of regional tectonic activity, with obvious indicating effect.
Knick point can be formed by fault activity, and the information of knick point and its continuous migration to upstream can be recorded along the longitudinal profile of stream. Therefore, it is possible and feasible to obtain the information of tectonic activity from the geomorphic characteristics of Daqinshan area. The research on the quantitative analysis of regional large-scale tectonic activities in the Daqingshan area of the Yellow River in the Hetao Basin is still deficient so far. Taking this area as an example, based on the method of hypsometric integral(HI) and channel steepness index(k_sn), we use the DEM data with 30m resolution and GIS spatial analysis technology to extract the networks of drainage system and seven sub-basins. Then, we calculate the hypsometric integral(HI) values of each sub-basin and fit its spatial distribution characteristics. Finally, we obtain the values of channel steepness index and its fitting spatial distribution characteristics based on the improved Chi-plot bedrock analysis method. Combining the extraction results of geomorphic parameters with the characteristics of fault activity, we attempt to explore the characteristics of drainage system development and the response of stream profile and geomorphology to tectonic activities in the Daqingshan section of the Yellow River Basin.
The results show that the values of the hypsometric integral in the Daqingshan drainage area are medium, between 0.5~0.6, and the Strahler curve of each tributary is S-shaped, suggesting that the geomorphological development of the Daqingshan area is in its prime, and the tectonic activity and erosion is strong. Continuous low HI value is found in the tectonic subsidence area on the hanging wall of the Daqingshan Fault. The distribution characteristics of the HI value reveal that the Daqingshan Fault controls the geomorphic difference between basin and mountain. Longitudinal profiles of the river reveal the existence of many knick points. The steepness index of river distributes in high value along the trend of mountain which lies in the tectonic uplift area on the footwall of the Daqingshan Fault. It reflects that the bedrock uplift rate of Daqingshan area is faster. The distribution characteristics of the channel steepness index show that the uplift amplitude of Daqingshan area is strong and the bedrock is rapidly uplifted, which is significantly different from the subsidence amplitude in the depression basin at the south margin of the fault, indicating that the main power source controlling the basin mountain differential movement comes from Daqingshan Fault. Based on the comparison and analysis on tectonic, lithology and climate, there is no obvious corresponding relationship between the difference of rock erosion resistance and the change of geomorphic parameters, and the precipitation has little effect on the geomorphic transformation of Daqingshan area, and its contribution to the geomorphic development is limited. Thus, we think the lithology and rainfall conditions have limited impact on the hypsometric integral, longitudinal profiles of the river and channel steepness index. Lithology maybe has some influences on the channel knick points, while tectonic activity of piedmont faults is the main controlling factor that causes the unbalanced characteristics of the longitudinal profile of the channel and plays a crucial role in the development of the channel knick points. So, tectonic activity of the Daqingshan Fault is the main factor controlling the uplift and geomorphic evolution of the Daqingshan area.

The Sanweishan fault is located in the northern margin of the Tibetan plateau. It is a branch of the Altyn Tagh fault zone which extends to the northwest. A detailed study on Late Quaternary activity characteristics of the Sanwei Shan Fault can help understanding the strain distribution of the Altyn Tagh fault zone and regional seismic activity and northward growth of the Tibetan plateau. Previous research on this fault is insufficient and its activity is a controversial issue. Based on satellite images interpretation, field investigations and geological mapping, this study attempts to characterize this feature, especially its activity during Late Quaternary. Trench excavation and sample dating permit to address this issue, including determination of paleoseismic events along this fault.
The results show that the Sanweishan fault is a large-scale active structure. It starts from the Shuangta reservoir in the east, extending southward by Shigongkouzi, Lucaogou, and Shugouzi, terminates south of Xishuigou, with a length of 175km. The fault trends in NEE, dipping SE at angles 50°~70°. It is characterized by left-lateral strike-slip with a component of thrust and local normal faulting. According to the geometry, the fault can be divided into three segments, i.e. Shuangta-Shigongkouzi, Shigongkouzi-Shugouzi and Shugouzi-Xishuigou from east to west, looking like a left-or right-step pattern. Plenty of offset fault landforms appear along the Sanweishan Fault, including ridges, left-lateral strike-slip gullies, fault scarps, and fault grooves. The trench study at the middle and eastern segments of the fault shows its activity during Late Pleistocene, evidenced by displaced strata of this epoch. Identification marks of the paleoearthquakes and sample dating reveal one paleoearthquake that occurred at(40.3±5.2)~(42.1±3.9) ka.

Qilian Shan-Hexi Corridor is located in the northeastern margin of the Tibetan plateau, which hosts many active strike-slip and thrust faults as well as folds. Previous study on this area was mostly concerned with large faults at the boundary of the corridor, while rare work on active tectonics in the interior of the corridor. On 25 October 2003, the Minle-Shandan M_S6.1 earthquake occurred in this area, which is related with the Minle-Yongchang fault hidden beneath the south piedmont of the Dahuangshan Mountains. As there is no obvious rupture trace on the surface, the quantitative study of this fault has never been reported so far.
In order to obtain quantitative parameters of this active structure efficiently, the software of ERDAS was used to generate pointscloud data from SPOT6 stereo-pair. Two-meter resolution DEM imagery from point cloud has the line accuracy of height about 1m. Three swath profiles were extracted from the DEM data, which show that high geomorphic surfaces are all uplifted and folded. By differential GPS measurement, the vertical uplift of the thrust-related fold is estimated to be about 2.0m on the T₂, and the strike of the fold deformation is nearly 311°, which is close to the result of the fault parameter determined by aftershocks, and also in agreement with the focal mechanism solutions. Furthermore, the location of fold axial zone is consistent with the actual investigation data. These indicate that there is obvious tectonic deformation in the west part of the Minle-Yongchang fault. It supports the view that this fault is the seismogenic structure of the 2003 Minle-Shandan earthquake. Stereo-pair is of high importance in active tectonics research, which can provide significant guidance for field geologic investigations and determining the location of tectonic deformation, according to this research.

Three-dimensional scanning with LiDAR has been widely used in geological surveys. The LiDAR with high accuracy is promoting geoscience quantification. And it will be much more convenient, efficient and useful when combining it with the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). This study focuses on UAV-based Laser Scanning (UAVLS)geological field mapping, taking two examples to present advantages of the UAVLS in contrast with other mapping methods. For its usage in active fault mapping, we scanned the Nanpo village site on the Zhangxian segment of the West Qinling north-edge fault. It effectively removed the effects of buildings and vegetation, and uncovered the fault trace. We measured vertical offset of 1.3m on the terrace T₁ at the Zhang river. Moreover, we also scanned landslide features at the geological hazard observatory of Lanzhou University in the loess area. The scanning data can help understand how micro-topography affects activation of loess landslides. The UAVLS is time saving in the field, only spending about half an hour to scan each site. The amount of average points per meter is about 600, which can offer topography data with resolution of centimeter. The results of this study show that the UAVLS is expected to become a common, efficient and economic mapping tool.

Qilian Shan and Hexi Corridor, located in the north of Tibetan plateau, are the margin of Tibetan plateau's tectonic deformation and pushing. Its internal deformations and activities can greatly conserve the extension process and characteristics of the Plateau. The research of Qilian Shan and Hexi Corridor consequentially plays a significant role in understanding tectonic deformation mechanism of Tibetan plateau. The northern Yumushan Fault, located in the middle of the northern Qilian Shan thrust belt, is a significant component of Qilian Shan thrust belt which divides Yumushan and intramontane basins in Hexi Corridor. Carrying out the research of Yumushan Fault will help explain the kinematics characteristics of the northern Yumushan active fault and its response to the northeastward growth of the Tibetan plateau.Because of limited technology conditions of the time, different research emphases and some other reasons, previous research results differ dramatically. This paper summarizes the last 20 years researches from the perspectives of fault slip rates, paleao-earthquake characteristics and tectonic deformation. Using aerial-photo morphological analysis, field investigation, optical simulated luminescence(OSL)dating of alluvial surfaces and topographic profiles, we calculate the vertical slip rate and strike-slip rate at the typical site in the northern Yumushan Fault, which is(0.55±0.15)mm/a and(0.95±0.11), respectively. On the controversial problems, namely "the Luotuo(Camel)city scarp" and the 180 A.D. Biaoshi earthquake, we use aerial-photo analysis, particular field investigation and typical profile dating. We concluded that "Luotuo city scarp" is the ruin of ancient diversion works rather than the fault scarp of the 180 A.D. Biaoshi earthquake. Combining the topographic profiles of the mountain range with fault characteristics, we believe Yumu Shan is a part of Qilian Shan. The uplift of Yumu Shan is the result of Qilian Shan and Yumu Shan itself pushing northwards. Topographic profile along the crest of the Yumu Shan illustrates the decrease from its center to the tips, which is similar to the vertical slip rates and the height of fault scarp. These show that Yumu Shan is controlled by fault extension and grows laterally and vertically. At present, fault activities are still concentrated near the north foot of Yumu Shan, and the mountain ranges continue to rise since late Cenozoic.

Qilian Shan-Hexi Corridor is located at the northeastern margin of Tibetan plateau. Series of late Quaternary active faults are developed in this region. A number of strong earthquakes even large earthquakes occurred in history and present-day. In the past, the study of active faults in the area was mostly concentrated in the northern margin fault zone of the Qilian Shan on the south side of the corridor, while the research on the interior and the north side of the corridor basin was relatively rare. We found a new fault scarp in the northern part of the Baiyanghe anticline in Jiuxi Basin in 2010. It is an earthquake surface rupture zone which has never been reported before. In this paper, we carried out palaeoearthquake trench analysis on the newly found earthquake surface rupture zone and textual research of relevant historical earthquakes data.
According to the interpretation of aerial photo and satellite image and field investigation, we found the surface rupture has the length of about 5km. The rupture shows as an arc-shaped line and is preserved intact comparably. The lower terrace and the latest flood alluvial fan are offset in addition to modern gullies. By differential GPS measurement, the height of the scarp is about 0.5~0.7m in the latest alluvial fan and about 1.5m in the T₁ terrace. From the residual ruins along the earthquake rupture zone, we believe the surface rupture might be produced by an earthquake event occurring not long ago. In addition, the rupture zone locates in the area where the climate is dry and rainless and there are no human activities induced damages. These all provide an objective condition for the preservation of the rupture zone. The trench along the fault reveals that the surface rupture was formed about 1500 years ago, and another earthquake event might have happened before it. Based on the textural research on the historical earthquake data and the research degree in the area at present, we believe that the surface rupture is related to the Yumen earthquake in 365, Yumen Huihuipu earthquake in 1785 or another unrecorded historical earthquake event.

An earthquake with M_S 6.6 occurred near the border between Minxian and Zhangxian counties in southeastern Gansu Province on July 22, 2013. This earthquake caused serious personnel casualties and property damages. According to the field investigation, the intensity of the epicenter area is about Ⅷ, the causative structure is a branch fault of the eastern segment of Lintan-Dangchang active fault.The southeastern region of Gansu Province is located at the eastern boundary of Tibetan active block. A series of strike-slip faults with thrust components are developed and their combination is complicated and a series of strong or even large earthquakes occurred in this area in the history and present-days, and one of them is the Luqu earthquake occurring in 842 AD at the boundary of Han and Tibet area(now the southeastern area of Gansu Province). The earthquake caused seismic rupture, spring gushing, landslip in the Minshan Mountains and countercurrent of the Taohe River for three days. According to the detail textual research of historical references and field investigation, the epicenter area of this earthquake locates at the Guanggaishan-Dieshan mountain area, at the border area between Luqu County, Zhuoni County and Diebu County in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The date of the Luqu earthquake is possibly on the 24^th day of the twelfth month of the second year of Huichang Reign in Tang Dynasty, that is, on January 31 or 27, 843 AD, and the magnitude of this earthquake is about 7～7 1/2 , the intensity near the epicenter area is about nine to ten. There are three late Quaternary active fault zones of thrust with left-lateral components, namely, Lintan-Dangcang Fault, Guanggaishan-Dieshan Fault and Diebu-Bailongjiang Fault. According to the comparative analysis of the field investigation of active faults in recent years and present seismic activity, we think that Luqu earthquake is the result of new activity of Guanggaishan-Dieshan Fault, the causative fault of this earthquake. This fault is an important branch fault of the eastern segment of northern boundary faults of Bayan Har block(Eastern Kunlun Fault zone), a main activity area of large earthquakes with magnitude larger than 7 in Chinese continent in the recent 10 years, and has the tectonic condition to generate M≥7 large earthquakes.

On July 22,2013,the Minxian-Zhanxian M_S 6.6 earthquake occurred at the central-northern part of the South-North Seismic Belt. In the area,complicated structural geometries are controlled by major strike-slip fault zones,i.e.the Eastern Kunlun Fault and the Northern Frontal Fault of West Qinling. The distribution of related seismic disasters,namely,the ellipse with its major axis trending NWW,is in good accord with the strike of the Lintan-Tanchang Fault. Severe damages in the meizoseismal area of the Minxian-Zhangxian M_S 6.6 earthquake are located within the fault zone. So it is considered that the earthquake related damages are closely related to the complicated geometry of the Lintan-Tanchang Fault,and it also indicates that the earthquake is the outcome of joint action of its secondary faults. Based on field investigations,and by integrating the results of previous studies on active tectonics,structural deformation and geophysical data,it can be inferred that the southward extension of the Northern Frontal Fault of West Qinling and the northeastward extrusion of the Eastern Kunlun Fault in the process of northeastward growth of Tibetan plateau are the main source of tectonic stress. Basic tectonic model is provided for strong earthquake generation on the Lintan-Tanchang Fault.

This paper makes a comprehensive analysis of the recent progress of the seismic active fault prospecting in Lanzhou city. Based on the satellite and aerial photos interpretation,geological and geomorphic investigation,geochemistry prospecting,shallow seismic investigation,resistivity imaging,drilling,especially large-scale trenching along the 7 active fault zones in Lanzhou city,we have achieved very important progress and gained new knowledge about the recent activity of main active faults and deformation features in Lanzhou Basin. The main conclusions are summarized bellow: (1) The Jinchengguan Fault is a thrust fault,constituting the northern boundary of the Lanzhou Tertiary Basin. It is revealed by geophysical prospecting and drilling that the newest strata offset by the Jinchengguan Fault are the early-Pleistocene sandstone and conglomerate,and that the overlying second and third terraces of the Yellow River remain intact. So,it's an early and middle Pleistocene active fault.(2) The Liujiabu Fault and Shengouqiao Fault constitute the northern and western boundaries of the Qilihe Subsidence,respectively. Revealed by geophysical prospecting,drilling and large trenching,they are not faults but lithologic boundaries of different rocks between Pliocene and early Pleistocene.(3) The Leitanhe Fault is the eastern boundary of Qilihe Subsidence,a boundary fault separating the Tertiary Lanzhou Basin into the east and west basins. According to the geophysical prospecting and drilling,the Leitanhe Fault is a thrust fault and its newest activity age is early and middle Pleistocene. It is not active since late Quaternary and does not cut the third terrace of the Yellow River.(4) The Siergou Fault is the southwestern boundary of Lanzhou Basin,a thrust fault too. It's an early and middle Pleistocene active fault and does not offset the forth terrace of Yellow River. While the Xijincun Fault is much nearer to the south margin of Lanzhou Basin and forms the southern boundary of the Tertiary Lanzhou Basin. It's an early Pleistocene fault.(5) The northern margin of Maxianshan Mountains fault is a major seismic fault on the southern margin of Lanzhou Basin,and its movement is characterized by segmentation. The east segment,the Neiguanying sub-fault,is a late Pleistocene fault. The middle segment,the Maxianshan and Qidaoliang faults,are active during late Pleistocene and early Holocene. The west segment,the Wusushan sub fault,is active during late Pleistocene and Holocene,and it's also the seismic fault of the M7 Lanzhou earthquake.On the whole,we correct the previous recognitions about the activity times of 4 faults,i.e. the Jinchengguan Fault,Leitanhe Fault,Siergou Fault and Xijicun Fault. They are all early and middle Pleistocene instead of late Pleistocene active faults. Especially,we find that the Liujiabu Fault and Shengouqiao Fault directly across Lanzhou city are not late Pleistocene or Holocene active faults but lithologic boundaries between Pliocene mudstone and early Pleistocene conglomerate. The results are very important for the urban planning and engineering construction,and will produce obvious economical and social benefits.

Tianshui area locates at the northeastern margin of Qinghai-Tibetan plateau and the middle segment of the north margin of western Qinling tectonic zone.In history,several strong destructive earthquakes happened in the area.Because of the very long history and that the historical records are not quite clear,it is very difficult to study them in nowadays,and most of them became historical knotty problems.The Tianshui earthquake in 734 AD is one of the large earthquakes.On March 23,734 AD,a large earthquake happened in Qinzhou of Tang Dynasty,now the vicinity of Tianshui City,causing serious seismic disasters as "the earth ruptured and closed again,nearly all the houses damaged,about 4000 people dead,hills changed into valleys,and towns covered by landslip,and so on".According to the detail textual research of the historical earthquake records,the meizoseismal area of the 734 AD Tianshui earthquake is in the Qinzhou and Maiji area,now,the Qincheng,Beidao and Maijishan area of Tianshui City.The epicenter intensity is about Ⅹ,the magnitude is about M 7 1/2.The direction of long axis of isoseismal line is NW,consistent with the strike of the eastern segment of Wushan-Gangu Fault of the northern margin of western Qinling active fault zone.The meizoseismal area is just in the step-over zone between the left-lateral strike-slip faults,i.e.the Tianshui-Baoji Fault and the Gangu-Wushan Fault,an area prone to strong earthquake.Comprehensive analysis indicates that the causative structure of the 734 M 7 1/2 Tianshui earthquake is the east segment of the Gangu-Wushan Fault of the northern margin of western Qinling active fault zone.