High-resolution geological studies of seismogenic structures

Abstract

Strong earthquakes rank among the most devastating natural disasters, with the potential to inflict catastrophic damage on communities and critical infrastructure worldwide. The structural geological and geophysical study of seismogenic features remains a cornerstone of earthquake research, providing essential insights into the dynamic processes driving these powerful events. High-resolution investigations in geomorphology, stratigraphy, and structural geology allow for a detailed understanding of the spatial and temporal characteristics of seismic deformations, encompassing co-seismic, post-seismic, and inter-seismic stages, potentially spanning multiple earthquake cycles. The integration of cutting-edge techniques—such as high-resolution data from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), Structure from Motion (SfM), geophysical surveys, drilling, and frictional laboratory experiments—coupled with precise dating methods, enables quantitative analysis at high spatial resolutions across diverse temporal ranges, from years to millions of years. Recent advancements in frictional experimental techniques and numerical modeling have also significantly refined our understanding of deformation processes within seismogenic structures. This special issue compiles research on tectonic activities related to seismogenic structures from varied global tectonic setting, with a focus on leveraging high-resolution spatial data and sophisticated dating techniques. The contributions aim to deepen our understanding of the dynamics underlying strong earthquakes and improve our capacity for seismic hazard assessment.