Recurrence and Clustering of Large Earthquakes along the Northern Boundary of Ordos Block: Constraining Paleoearthquakes by an Improved Multiple Trench Constraining Method

Abstract

AbstractTectonic belts along active tectonic block boundaries comprise one or more active faults; along which, large earthquakes recur. Therefore, it is important to establish the recurrence behavior of large earthquakes along such boundary zones for studying their characteristics and developments. Many paleoearthquake studies make it possible to investigate the recurrence behavior of large earthquakes along the northern boundary of the Ordos block (NBOB). Based on the previous studies, data from 52 trenches were collected to reconstruct prehistoric earthquakes using an improved multiple trench constraining method. This method is based on paleoearthquake indicators and trench location distribution to constrain the rupture time and length, thereby reducing the selection bias of fixed rupture length to construct additional rupture scenarios. The results suggest that the NBOB comprises four normal faults (from west to east): the Langshan Piedmont Fault (LPF), Sertengshan Piedmont Fault (SPF), Wulashan Piedmont Fault (WPF), and Daqingshan Piedmont Fault (DPF); along which, six, seven, eight, and six paleoearthquakes have occurred within approximately 15,000 yr, respectively. In addition, recurrence behaviors of the individual faults exhibit remarkable periodicity. The regional fault network along the NBOB reveals clustered characteristics with six clusters propagating either westward or eastward and a recurrence time of approximately 1,300 yr. Large earthquake events have occurred along the LPF, WPF, and DPF according to the most recent cluster; however, earthquakes were absent along the SPF, and no evidence of large earthquakes was observed along the NBOB after the 849 CE earthquake. Thus, we discuss the possibility of occurrence of large earthquakes along the SPF after the 849 CE earthquake based on earthquake recurrence and cluster migration behavior. Additional research is required to assess the potential risk of the occurrence of a large earthquake along the SPF in the future.