Slip distribution and tectonic implication of the 1999 Chi-Chi, Taiwan, Earthquake

  1. Chen Ji1,
  2. Donald V. Helmberger1,
  3. Teh-Ru Alex Song1,
  4. Kuo-Fong Ma2,
  5. David J. Wald3

Article first published online: 7 DEC 2012

DOI: 10.1029/2001GL013225

Issue

Geophysical Research Letters

Geophysical Research Letters

Volume 28, Issue 23, pages 4379–4382, 1 December 2001

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Author Information

  1. 1

    Seismological Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena

  2. 2

    Institute of Geophysics, National Central University, Chung-Li, Taiwan

  3. 3

    U.S. Geological Survey, Pasadena

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 7 DEC 2012
  2. Article first published online: 7 DEC 2012
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 5 SEP 2001
  4. Manuscript Received: 26 MAR 2001

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We report on the fault complexity of the large (Mw = 7.6) Chi-Chi earthquake obtained by inverting densely and well-distributed static measurements consisting of 119 GPS and 23 doubly integrated strong motion records. We show that the slip of the Chi-Chi earthquake was concentrated on the surface of a ”wedge shaped” block. The inferred geometric complexity explains the difference between the strike of the fault plane determined by long period seismic data and surface break observations. When combined with other geophysical and geological observations, the result provides a unique snapshot of tectonic deformation taking place in the form of very large (>10m) displacements of a massive wedge-shaped crustal block which may relate to the changeover from over-thrusting to subducting motion between the Philippine Sea and the Eurasian plates.

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