Variation of gravity before the Alxa Zuoqi M5.8 earthquake

Abstract

In this study, a classic survey adjustment computation method was used for data obtained in the Inner Mongolia and Ningxia gravimetric networks between September 2013 and April 2015 so as to investigate the variation of gravity before the Alxa Zuoqi M5.8 earthquake. The relationship between gravity variation and the Alxa Zuoqi M5.8 earthquake was analyzed. The results showed that: (1) the severe variation in gravity field at the test sites before the Alxa Zuoqi M5.8 earthquake, as well as the subsequent accelerated rising, might be an earthquake precursor; (2) the Alxa Zuoqi M5.8 earthquake occurred at the turning point where the high-gravity gradient zone changed from the NE direction to NW.

Keywords

• Repeated gravimetry
• Gravity variations
• Alxa Zuoqi M5.8 earthquake
• High gravity gradient belt