Abstract Background The three-dimensional structural model of active faults are essential for seismic zoning and hazard assessment. Constructing models that accurately represent fault geometry has become a key focus in seismic research. The northeastern margin of the Tibet Plateau-Ningxia region lies at the junction of the Ordos Block, the Tibet Plateau, and the Alxa Block. This area features a complex geological structure and frequent strong earthquakes, complicating the analysis of seismogenic structures. Due to limitations in early earthquake monitoring and insufficient data, the structural understanding of historical earthquakes in this area remains controversial. In particular, there are differing interpretations of the seismogenic fault and the maximum magnitude of the 1739 Pingluo M8 earthquake. Results In this study, using multidisciplinary data—including active fault surface traces, seismic reflection profiles, and magnetotelluric data—a three-dimensional visualization database of the Ningxia region was established for the first time using a 3D modeling platform. Based on data interpretation and a multivariate constraint method for three-dimensional fault modeling, version 1.0 of a 3D model of 14 major active faults in the Ningxia region was constructed, revealing their geometric characteristics in three-dimensional space. On this basis, the seismogenic structure of the 1739 Pingluo M8 earthquake in the extensional fault-depression zone of northern Ningxia is further analyzed, and the slip risk of several major active faults in the southern compressional arc zone is discussed. The results indicate that the Pingluo M8 earthquake may have triggered cascading ruptures along multiple faults in the Yinchuan Basin. Under the influence of the NE-trending continuous extrusion of the Tibet Plateau, several major active faults in the southern Ningxia compressional arc zone—including the southern segments of the Haiyuan fault and the Xiangshan–Tianjingshan fault, as well as the middle and southern segments of the Sanguankou-Niushoushan-Luoshan fault—exhibit relatively high slip tendencies (Ts ≥ 0.25), indicating elevated seismic risk. Conclusions This study presents the first comprehensive 3D fault model of the Ningxia region. The model enhances the understanding of seismogenic structures associated with historical earthquakes along the northeastern margin of the Tibet Plateau, analyzing the region’s seismogenic environment, and assessing seismic risk.

The Quaternary chronostratigraphic framework serves as a fundamental basis for evaluating the active parameters of Neotectonic movements and fault activity. However, the scarcity of the continuous stratigraphic sections and the lack of absolute age calibration have led to diverse interpretations regarding the Quaternary stratigraphic divisions in the Beijing Plain, particularly concerning the classification of the thick gravel layer at depth. These discrepancies significantly affect the delineation of boundaries between the Upper Pliocene and Lower Pleistocene, as well as the determination of the timing of the latest Quaternary tectonic event. Consequently, the development of reliable seismo-tectonic models and the quantitative assessment of seismic hazards in the North China Plain remain constrained. In this study, we analyzed a 603-m-long continuous stratigraphic core obtained from borehole XD04, drilled in the Dachang Sag located in the eastern Beijing Plain. By conducting systematic paleomagnetic analyses and dating key stratigraphic horizons using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and cosmogenic nuclide techniques, we established a detailed Quaternary chronostratigraphic framework for the Dachang Sag. The base of the Holocene Yanjiao Formation () is Qyj h identified at a depth of 4.8 m, while the base of the Upper Pleistocene Junying Formation () occurs at 76.4 Q3jY p m. The lower boundary of the Middle Pleistocene Zhaili Formation () corresponds to the Brunhes-Q2zl p Matuyama (B/M) magnetostratigraphic boundary or a parallel unconformity with its underlying strata at a depth of 229.9 m. Furthermore, the base of the Lower Pleistocene Xiadian Formation () aligns with the Q1xd p Matuyama-Gauss (M/G) magnetostratigraphic boundary at a depth of 412.8 m. Strata below the M/G boundary are assigned to the Pliocene Shunyi Formation (). Notably, the fine-grained sediments between depths of Nsy 2 39.14 m and 229.85 m represent lacustrine deposits filled within the Dachang paleo-lake during the Middle to early Late Pleistocene. OSL dating results indicate that the paleo-lake disappeared between 41.5 +/- 1.7 ka and 58.4 +/- 2.6 ka ago, likely due to the interplay between the eastward extrusion of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the westward subduction of the Pacific Plate during the Late Quaternary. Additionally, the parallel unconformity between the Middle Pleistocene Zhaili Formation () and the Lower Pleistocene Xiadian Formation () Q2zlQ1xd pp provides geological evidence for Neotectonic activity. Finally, a thick gravel layer occurring between depths of 512.6 and 591.4 m is attributed to the Pliocene Shunyi Formation (), representing the sedimentary deposits Nsy 2 associated with the differential uplift and formation of the Tangxian paleo-planation surface. This uplift was driven by the intense extrusion of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau during the mid-to-late Pliocene. Therefore, the presence of this deep gravel layer reflects the far-field tectonic effects of the eastward movement of the Plateau.

The Mw 7.1 Dingri, China earthquake, which occurred on January 7, 2025, is the largest normal faulting event in the central and western regions of the Tibetan Plateau since the 2008 Yutian, China earthquake. Focal mechanism solutions indicate that the earthquake predominantly exhibits normal faulting characteristics and is believed to have ruptured the Dengme Co fault, a branch of the NS-trending normal fault system along the western boundary of the Dingjie-Shenzha rift. Remote sensing data and field observations reveal that the surface rupture zone extends between 25 km and 32 km, with a maximum vertical offset of approximately 3 m and slight left-lateral strike-slip displacement. The maximum intensity in the epicentral area reached IX on the Chinese Seismic Intensity Scale. The relatively severe earthquake damage is primarily attributed to building collapses caused by strong ground shaking, which resulted from the earthquake’s large magnitude and shallow focal depth. Additionally, towns and villages near active faults are situated on weak lacustrine strata, further exacerbating the impact. Therefore, it is recommended that authorities at all levels in China enhance efforts to map active faults and identify unfavorable geological conditions to mitigate similar earthquake disasters on the Tibetan Plateau in the future.

Active faults serve as potential sources of destructive earthquakes. Studies and investigations of active faults are necessary for earthquake disaster prevention. This study presents a nation-scale database of active faults in China and its adjacent regions, in tandem with an associated web-based query system. This database is an updated version of the active faults data included in the Seismotectonic Map of China and its Adjacent Regions (1:4 000 000), which is one of the four essential maps of the mandatory Chinese standard GB 18306-2015 Seismic Ground Motion Parameter Zonation Maps of China. The data update and integration stem from regional-scale studies and surveys conducted over the past 2 decades (at reference scales from 1:250 000 to 1:50 000). The information amassed from these regional-scale studies and surveys encompasses geophysical probing, drill logging, measurement of offset landforms, sample dating, as well as geometric and kinematic parameters of exposed and blind faults, paleo-earthquake sequences, and recurrence intervals. These data have been acquired and analyzed utilizing a uniform technical standard framework and reviewed by expert panels in both field and laboratory settings. Our system hosts this nation-scale database accessible through a Web Geographic Information System (GIS) application, enabling browsing, querying, and downloading functionalities via a web browser. The system we built also publishes the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Web Feature Service and the OGC Web Map Service of active faults data. Users can incorporate map layers and obtain fault data in OGC-compliant GIS software for further analysis through these services. The Chinese government, research institutions, and companies have widely used the active faults data from the previous versions of the database. The database is available at https://doi.org/10.12031/activefault.china.400.2023.db (Xu, 2023) and via the web system (https://data.activetectonics.cn/arcportal/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=684737e8849c4170bbca14447608c451, CEFIS, 2023; http://data.activetectonics.cn/arcserver/services/Hosted/CAFD400_2022_WFS/MapServer/WFSServer, CAFD WFS, 2024).

The typical earthquake hazards chain includes main shock, surface ruptures, aftershocks, and earthquake-induced landslides, leading to structural damage and casualties. Lots of investigation and research were published. But there is no Web-GIS platform to integrate earthquake hazards chain data and compare relative research results. This paper studies compiling such a hazards chain database and building a cloud-based Web-GIS system of the 2008 earthquake. The system introduced by this paper provides buttons and tools to browse, query and analyze map data. In addition, this system is open to anyone to add data for viewing and comparing in the web map. The result showcases that the cloud-based system runs efficiently and flexibly. The multi-scale and multi-source data can be integrated into a "one-map" system by well-design map services and geodatabase.

Seismicity in the Yangbi area is relatively active (Figure 1). Since 1970, 145 earthquakes of magnitude greater than 3.0 have occurred within 50 km, including 108 Ms3.0−3.9 events, 27 Ms4.0−4.9 events, 9 Ms5.0−5.9 events, and the latest one reported here, which, at Ms6.0−6.9, is the strongest in this 51-year record. In the area within 100 km of Yangbi, 312 earthquakes above magnitude 3 have been recorded since 1970, including 249 Ms3.0−3.9 events, 45 Ms4.0−4.9 events, 16 Ms5.0−5.9 events, and two Ms6.0−6.9 events; the other Ms6.0 earthquake occurred in Yongsheng, Yunnan, on October 27, 2001.

The Xiaojiang fault is an active boundary fault on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau. Historical earthquake records indicate that the Xiaojiang fault has been struck by at least four multi-segment rupturing events. Why and where the Xiaojiang fault is prone to multi-segment earthquakes need to be well studied. To investigate the multi-segment seismic hazard of the Xiaojiang fault, we divide the Xiaojiang fault, the nearby Qujiang fault, and Jianshui fault, into 34 fault segments according to the new geological mapping results. We build four possible multi-segment rupture combination models, and then analyze the geological studies to select appropriate fault slip rates. We use the selected fault slip rates and the Magnitude-Frequency relationship to model the future seismicity rates for these rupture combinations. We find that the multi-segment rupture combination model developed from the historical rupture events that did not rupture through the step-over with a 12-km-width and the adjoining segments with strike difference >= 28 degrees, showing the effectiveness of consuming the strain accumulation on the fault in our calculation. Finally, we calculate the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) values from the compatible multi-segment rupture combination model. Our results show that the PGA value is relatively lower around the middle section of the Xiaojiang fault, which agrees with the multi-segment rupturing tendency from historical seismicity and paleo-earthquakes studies. The high probabilities of the multi-segment rupturing for the Xiaojiang fault are determined by the fault segment distribution based on the new geological mapping results.

Earthquake emergency response maps represent a set of geographical maps related to the seismic activity, geological tectonic background, assessment of economy and population losses, secondary disaster probability, as well as other information for emergency response and rescue. It requires producing these kinds of maps as quickly as possible after an earthquake. The seismotectonic map is one of the most important maps for earthquake emergency response. In this study, we developed an earthquake emergency response system to produce the map automatically. This paper introduces a intelligent system framework using spatial analysis, version management and web communication technology for emergency response, data maintenance, remote map revision, version management and statistics, which is not discussed in previous studies. The system based on MySQL, ArcGIS platform, python, and curl. It can detect the earthquake fast report proactive. When capturing the official report, it activated the response function module. The system achieved the first version mapping, fault data pushing, and earthquake catalogue updating by data-driven method automatically and rapidly. The mapping process can be divided into map layout and expert knowledge. The expert knowledge part can be divided into a geography map and explanatory note. The system performed well on the map layout and geography map. The explanatory note in the map, which introduces regional tectonics and expert knowledge, can provide the nearest fault's name, active age, and feature in the first version. Experts need to produce the second version manually. The fault data of 5°×5°area centred on the main shock is clipped and sent to a specified mailbox. The system added the earthquake parameters to the database. The result shows that this system finished these work well automatically and reduce the responds time and data maintenance time. If the earthquake causes serious calamity, seismogeology experts need to collect, summarize and analyse literature, document, and other information for successor versions and even predicting aftershock and disaster. It is practically needed to build a more intelligent and efficient system to produce a successor version of the map and push more knowledge in the future. The challenge in the future is to develop a more intelligent system to self-explain the seismotectonic map and push expert knowledge. This goal can only be achieved by processing expert knowledge data like regional lithology, tectonic structure, paleo earthquake, and historical earthquake in the database layer, data access layer, and business logic layer of the system.

The seismic cycle model is roughly constrained by limited offset data sets from the eastern Altyn Tagh fault with a low slip rate. The recent availability of high-resolution topographic data from the eastern Altyn Tagh fault provides an opportunity to obtain distinctly improved quantitative, dense measurements of fault offsets. In this paper, we used airborne light detection and ranging data and unmanned aircraft vehicle photogrammetry to evaluate fault offsets. To better constrain the large earthquake recurrence model, we acquired dense data sets of fault displacements using the LaDiCaoz_v2.1 software. A total of 321 offset measurements below 30 m highlight two new observations: (1) surface-slip of the most recent earthquake and multiple events exhibit both short-wavelength (m-scale) and long-wavelength (km-scale) variability; and (2) synthesis of offset frequency analysis and coefficient of variation indicate regular slip events with ∼6 m slip increment on fault segments to the west of the Shulehe triple junction. The distribution of offsets and paleoseismological data reveal that the eastern Altyn Tagh fault exhibits characteristic slip behavior, with the characteristic slip of ∼6 m and a recurrence period ranging from 1170 to 3790 years. Paleoearthquake recurrence intervals and slip increments yield mean horizontal slip-rate estimates of 2.1–2.6 mm/yr for fault segments to the west of the Shulehe triple junction. Assuming a 10 km rupture depth and a 30 GPa shear modulus, we estimated a characteristic slip event moment magnitude (Mw) of ∼7.6. Finally, we discuss the interaction mechanism between Altyn Tagh fault (strike fault) and the NW-trending thrust faults (reverse faults) that caused the sudden decrease of sinistral slip rate at the Shulehe and Subei triple junctions; our results support the eastward “lateral slip extrusion” model.

We performed field investigations to reconstruct the paleoearthquake history of eastern segment of the Altyn Tagh fault, NW China. Investigation at the Saohu spring trench and Shibaocheng west trench sites result in the identification three well-resolved earthquakes, designated as events E-1, E-2, and E-3, within the last similar to 7000 years. Radiocarbon dates of detrital charcoal provide constraints on the timing of faulting events. The most recent surface-rupturing earthquake, event E-1 dated between 2720 and 2800 years (a) before present (BP), had a rupture length of similar to 83 km, extending from Hongliuxia to Bagexia, with a coseismic displacement of about 4.5 m. The penultimate event, E-2, occurred between 4180 and 4970 a BP and may have ruptured from Subei to Bagexia with a coseismic displacement of > 7 m. The third youngest event, E-3, occurred approximately 6440-7180 a BP and may have ruptured the whole segment from Subei to Kuantan mountain, with a coseismic displacement of > 10 m. Holocene earthquake recurrence behavior on the eastern segment of the Altyn Tagh fault conforms to a variable slip earthquake model. Together with previous studies of slip rate, the huge displacement deficit along the eastern segment indicates a high earthquake risk for the surrounding region; the fault has the potential to trigger earthquakes of greater than M7.8, or a period of clustered earthquake activity. The displacement deficit could also indicate that sub-faults in the western Qilian Mountains have absorbed more lateral extrusion of the plateau during the Holocene, which would result in a decreasing fault slip rate and weakening of the eastern extension or outward expansion of the Altyn Tagh fault.

Details of lithospheric structures in three-dimensions (3-D) are key to understanding the dynamics of crustal deformation and earthquakes in active orogenic systems. In this study, we develop a 3-D model of the eastern Tibetan Plateau using the Skua-Gocad software based on the latest Rayleigh wave tomography. We perform a quantitative modeling workflow to map the details of the Moho discontinuities and the high-velocity anomalies. Then, we integrate the topography, major active faults, large earthquakes, and crustal Poisson's ratios to analyze the relationship between the shallow and deep structures of this region. Our study shows that the Moho is generally coupled with the topography. A steep Moho ramp exists under the plateau margin and its surface projection intersects the Longmen Shan (LMS) at a low oblique angle (similar to 22 degrees). Active deformation and large earthquakes are related to the steep Moho ramp under the plateau margin. Moreover, based on a 3-D model of the Poisson's ratio perturbations, we find that deformation across the central LMS is characterized as a crocodile-type wedge in the crust and lithospheric mantle, due to the resistance of the Yangtze craton and isostatic rebound. We suggest that a tectonic wedging model that contains both the upper-crust thrusting and lower-crustal thickening contribute to the LMS orogeny. Three-dimensional visualization of the lithospheric structure is well suited to reveal the different levels of deformation and their relationships. Quantitative modeling methods provide effective constraints on the active blocks in the eastern Tibetan Plateau.

At 06:34（CST）on Nov.18,2017,an M6.9 earthquake occurred in the Mainling County,Nyingchi Region of Xizang Autonomous Region,China.The epicenter is located at 95.02°E,29.75°N and the focal depth is about 10 km（Figure 1）.The epicenter is about 100km from the Mainling County.The average elevation within 5 km is about 3100 m.This earthquake has caused widespread concern among members of government,research institutions,and public

To establish an experimental,practical and open scientific experimental platform for earthquake monitoring and prediction,with reference to that of the southern California earthquake center (SCEC),China Earthquake Administration initiated a project for an experimental field in Sichuan and Yunnan Province in 2014.The chosen area is a seismically active region in the southeastern margin of the Tibetan plateau.A series of work compiling basic maps have been launched to collect fundamental data of this area including geologic structure,earthquake geology,geophysics,geodesy, and geochemistry.The map of earthquake surface ruptures in this region is one of these basic maps. This paper presents the compilation of this map.It includes earthquake epicenters,earthquake surface ruptures,faults,strata,magmatic rocks,and geographical data.This work summarized 87 destructive earthquakes,and 22 earthquake surface rupture zones,and analyzed the distribution characterization of earthquake epicenters,strata and magmatic rocks.The content in the map is reliable and integrated.This work will provide reliable earthquake-geology data for establishing geodynamics models and other future research of the national experimental field of earthquake monitoring and prediction in Sichuan and Yunnan Province.

发生在黄土高原的1920年12月16日的海原MS8.5级大地震触发了大量的滑坡,这些滑坡直接造成了大量的人员伤亡.近年来,出现了一些关于本次地震触发滑坡的专题研究,然而,这些研究多是基于局部震区或者个别单体滑坡进行,极少有关于该地震触发滑坡详细全面的成果出现.这种情况已经成为了深入理解海原地震触发滑坡的规模与程度、发育规律等的障碍.本研究拟基于谷歌地球平台,采用人工目视解译方法,以海原地震高烈度区(Ⅸ～Ⅺ)为研究区,开展地震滑坡解译工作,并分析这些滑坡的分布规律与影响因子之间的关系.结果表明本次地震在Ⅸ～Ⅺ度区内触发了至少5384处滑坡,滑坡总面积为218.78 km2.滑坡密度最高的区域为Ⅸ烈度圈的北西部分.通过分析这些滑坡与地形、地震、地质等因子的关系发现,高程1700～2000 m为滑坡的高发与高易发区间;大多数滑坡集中发育在坡度15°～25°范围内,滑坡密度随着坡度的增加而显著增加;坡位越低,也就是距离河流越近,滑坡密度越大;新生代地层、尤其是第四系黄土覆盖地区是海原地震滑坡发生的主要区域,也是高易发区域.本文为探索黄土地区地震滑坡发育规律、减轻黄土地震滑坡灾害等提供了科学参考.

The theories,techniques and methods for the exploration of active faults in the terrestrial domain are relatively mature,while such efforts in the water domain remain very few.In this study,the AAE shallow profiler was used to detect the underwater three-dimensional topography and active faults in the Qionghai area,Xichang for the first time.Based on the SKUA-GOCAD software platform and its DSI interpolation method,three-dimensional modeling of the exploration data was carried out.The survey profiles clearly reveal three different reflection interfaces,including the underwater interface, the interface between the silt layer and shallow sedimentary layer,and the bottom of the shallow sedimentary layer.The three-dimensional topography of the Qionghai area was mapped initially. Moreover,evidence of active faults was first found in several survey profiles from the reflection interface cutoff.This study also analyzed and discussed the working principle and characteristics of the AAE shallow profiler,including their parameters and various factors of exploration.The mapped three-dimensional topography and active faults in the Qionghai area of Xichang can provide a reference for research on the active tectonics underwater in the future.

On 8 August 8 2017,an MS7.0 earthquake occurred in Jiuzhaigou County,Sichuan Province. Field geological investigations did not find any co-seismic surface rupture in the epicenter area, implying that the seismogenic structure is likely a hidden active fault.Based on the results of the relocated aftershocks,the seismogenic fault was simulated and characterized using the SKUA-GOCAD software.The three-dimensional model of the seismogenic fault was preliminarily constructed,which shows that the main shock of the Jiuzhaigou MS7.0 earthquake occurred at the sharp bending area of the fault surface,similar to the geometry of the active fault that generated several major earthquakes in the Songpan area during 1973-1976.Our study suggests that high seismicity of this area may be closely related to the inhomogeneous geometry of the fault surface.In this work,we collected the historical earthquakes of M≥6.5,and analyzed the geometric and kinematic features of the active faults in the study area.A three-dimensional fault model for the 10 main active faults was constructed, and its limitation in fault modeling was discussed.It could provide evidence for analyzing the seismotectonics of historical earthquakes,exploring the relationships between earthquakes and active faults,and predicting major earthquakes in the future.

The Hutubi earthquake, which occurred on 8 December 2016 with a moment magnitude of M 6.2, was a pure thrust event in the northern Tian Shan belt. By examining the location of the hypocenter, focal mechanism, regional geology, and artificial seismic reflection profiles, we are able to reveal the structural and sedimentary framework of a section of the northern Tian Shan through seismic interpretation. Our study indicates that the seismogenic fault responsible for the M 6.2 Hutubi earth-quake is a thrust fault with a low dip angle of 22 degrees at a depth of similar to 16 km. It has a ramp-flat-ramp geometry and is connected to the active Huoerguosi-Manas-Tugulu fault (F3) at the surface. Accumulated total stratigraphic offset at fault F3 is similar to 5.8 km with a fault shortening of similar to 5.4 km. This gives a shortening rate of similar to 0.9 mm/yr between the Qigu and Tugulu anticlines during the Late Cenozoic. Based on regional study of the fault plane, fault F3 is capable of producing earthquakes of M-w >= 8.0. This study suggests that fault F3 was the seismogenic fault responsible for the 2016 M 6.2 Hutubi earthquake and the 1906 M 7.7 Manas historical earthquake. The active fault system in the northern Tian Shan belt was involved in fault-related folding during the Late Cenozoic and therefore poses a potential seismic hazard in the study area. Electronic Supplement: Figures illustrating structural wedge development and their image in a reflection seismic profile.

The study of digital active fault database of storing and managing active fault survey data started in the 1990s.In the following 20 years,a systematic database framework has been developed,which provided fundamental data to minimize losses caused by earthquake disasters.In recent years,as the database framework developed and the range of information extended,some early designed attribute value codes are no longer adaptable to the new database framework.In order to build a more applicable attribute value coding system,we designed the coding rules respectively for three types of values:simple meaning character codes,simple meaning numerical codes and complex meaning codes.A new attribute value coding system has been built and discussed in this paper.The results show that the new system is helpful of increasing the efficiency of data entry,data detection,auto-mapping,data analysis and other relevant work.

High-magnitude earthquake refers to an earthquake that can produce obvious surface ruptures along its seismogenic fault and its magnitude M is at least equal to 7.0.Prediction and identification of locations, where the high-magnitude earthquakes will occur in potential, is one of the scientific goals of the studies on long-term faulting behavior of active faults and paleo-earthquakes, and is also the key problem of earthquake prediction and forecast.The study of the geological and seismological signatures for identifying M≥7.0 earthquake risk areas and their application is an important part of seismic prediction researches.It can not only promote the development of earthquake science, especially the progress of earthquake monitoring and forecasting, but also be positive for earthquake disaster prevention and effective mitigation of possible earthquake disaster losses.It is also one of the earthquake science problems which the governments, societies and the scientific communities are very concerned about and need to be addressed.Large or great earthquakes, such as the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake(M8.0), the 2010 Yushu earthquake(M7.1), the 2013 Lushan earthquake(M7.0)and the 2015 Gorkha earthquake(MW7.8), have unceasingly struck the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and its surrounding areas, which have been attracting attention of a large number of geoscientists both at home and abroad.Owing to good coverage of the seismic networks and GPS sations, a lot of high-quality publications in seismicity, crustal velocity structure, faulting beihavior have been pressed, which gives us a good chance to summarize some common features of these earthquakes.In this paper, seismogenic structural model of these earthquakes, faulting behavior of seismogenic faults, crustal mechanical property, recent straining environment and pre-earthquake seismicity are first analyzed, and then, five kinds of common features for the sismogenic faults where those earthquakes occurred.Those five kinds of commom features are, in fact, the geological and seismological signatures for identifying M≥7.0 earthquake risk areas.The reliability of the obtained sigatures is also discussed in brief.At last, based on the results of 1∶50000 active fault mapping, and published seismic tomography and fault-locking studies, an experimental identification of the risk areas for the future large/great earthquakes in the North China and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is conducted to test the scientificity and applicability of these obtained sigantures.