Earthquake Occurs in the Haiyuan Fault Zone

The earthquake occurred in the Haiyuan fault zone, the same fault zone where the great Haiyuan earthquake happened 103 years ago.

The surface wave magnitude of this earthquake was 4.9, with a body wave magnitude between 5.1 and 5.3. The seismic intensity near the epicenter was about 6 degrees, with noticeable tremors felt in Lanzhou, although the impact was not significant.

The epicenter of this earthquake was merely 20km away from that of the great Haiyuan earthquake.

The fault rupture caused by the historical Haiyuan earthquake was 240km long, starting from Ningxiao River in Guyuan to Lijunbao in Haiyuan County and developing northwestward through Xiaojia Bay, Xianzhou, and Dry Salt Pond all the way to Jingtai County.

The moment magnitude of the great Haiyuan earthquake was between 7.8 and 8.0, with a surface wave magnitude between 8.3 and 8.5. The earthquake caused massive loess landslides and burying cave dwellings and villages, resulting in 200,000 to 300,000 casualties, historically known as a global catastrophe.

This recent earthquake also occurred on the Haiyuan fault line, located south of the Alxa block, at the junction of the Tibetan and Ordos blocks. Due to the intense compression from the Indian Ocean plate, the Tibetan Plateau was uplifted and pushed northeastward. It was blocked by the western boundary of the stable Erdos block and the southern boundary of the stable Alxa block, forming a large-scale strike-slip fault with reverse components known as the Haiyuan active fault zone.

The energy of the Haiyuan section of the Haiyuan fault zone was mostly released during the great Haiyuan earthquake, and this recent earthquake is just a subsequent moderate seismic activity, not indicative of an imminent major earthquake in the Haiyuan section of the fault.

Attention should rather be given to the section from Jingtai to the west towards Tianzhu, where there hasn’t been an earthquake for a long time.

An earthquake occurring on New Year’s Eve indeed dampens the spirit and causes alarm.

Nighttime Earthquake Strikes Again

The earthquake occurred today at 22:27:38 with a depth of 10 kilometers. Yet another nighttime earthquake has forced people in the affected areas to seek shelter from the quake during the night. Currently, the temperature in Baiyin is minus six degrees Celsius. As of now, there have been no reports of casualties.

The following Chinese cities are within 100 kilometers of the epicenter of the earthquake:

• City: Pingchuan District (about 15.9 km from the epicenter)
• City: Jingyuan County (about 34.3 km from the epicenter)
• City: Haiyuan County (about 60.4 km from the epicenter)
• City: Baiyin District (about 77.6 km from the epicenter)
• City: Tongxin County (about 85.4 km from the epicenter)
• City: Shapotou District (about 87.8 km from the epicenter)
• City: Jingtai County (about 97.0 km from the epicenter)

This earthquake reminds people of the 6.2 magnitude earthquake in Jishishan County, Gansu, on the 18th of this month. The epicenters of the two earthquakes are about 300 kilometers apart and belong to different fault zones.

The magnitude and intensity of this earthquake are not high, suggesting that the potential damage may be limited. However, considering it’s winter and the earthquake occurred at night, it can be imagined that the affected area will need blankets and coats for warmth. With the temperature in Baiyin currently at minus six degrees Celsius, everyone must take care to stay warm while seeking shelter from the earthquake.

Earthquakes are the concentrated release of accumulated earth stress due to plate movement and other reasons. After the main shock, the primary stress is usually released, but not necessarily completely. Therefore, aftershocks are common. The occurrence of aftershocks at least indicates that the earth’s crust is unstable at this stage, so attention should be paid to subsequent geological activities and secondary disasters.

In the midst of New Year’s celebrations, this news is certainly startling, not to mention for those directly in the affected area. Hoping for the best for everyone involved.

Tremors Felt Across Lanzhou and Surrounding Areas

I saw my friend from Lanzhou posting on social media that tremors were noticeably felt in the city. News reports indicated that the epicenter was about 34 km away from Jingyuan County, approximately 61 km from Haiyuan County, Ningxia, about 60 km from Haiyuan County, around 83 km from Tongxin County, Ningxia, nearly 88 km from Shapotou District, and about 80 km from Baiyin City, with around 97 km from Jingtai County and approximately 130 km from Lanzhou City…

Given that noticeable tremors were felt in Lanzhou, it’s likely that the earlier mentioned counties experienced significant tremors as well.

I also saw netizens commenting that they felt the earthquake in Huachi, Gansu, which is more than 200 km away from the epicenter, and even in Xining, Qinghai, over 300 km away, there were reports of tremors.

Note the mentioned Haiyuan County; this epicenter was about 83 km from it.

This Haiyuan… is precisely where the great Haiyuan earthquake struck on December 16, 1920.

The great Haiyuan earthquake was terrifying, with a moment magnitude (Mw) of 8.25 and a maximum intensity of XII on the modified Mercalli intensity scale.

It is the third deadliest earthquake recorded in China’s history, following the Jiajing and Tangshan earthquakes, with official estimates of casualties ranging between 234,117 and 273,400—though the exact number is difficult to determine.

The high casualty rate was partly due to the local residents living in cave dwellings constructed in loess soil, which is prone to collapse. Additionally, the high altitude and cold weather during winter contributed to the death toll as many survivors succumbed to the harsh conditions.

Thus, earthquakes are indeed terrifying phenomena.

Wishing peace and a safe New Year for the people of Gansu.

Unexpected Earthquake in Gansu on New Year’s Eve

I couldn’t believe it, but there was another earthquake in Gansu on New Year’s Eve. One of my best friends in college is from Baiyin, Gansu, and a few years ago, he took me to Baiyin and introduced me to many friends from Gansu. We have all stayed in touch since then. When I heard this news, I immediately called my friend to check on the situation. He answered the phone and told me that the tremors were quite strong, and he was very scared at the time. Fortunately, everyone is okay now.

After expressing my concern, my friend comforted me instead. His girlfriend whispered, “In previous years, everyone was eagerly waiting for the New Year while watching the clock. This year, people in Gansu are keeping an eye on earthquake warnings and praying for safety.” Hearing this made me feel quite uneasy.

May 2024 bring an end to disasters, and may everyone be safe and sound! Bless China, bless Gansu!

Earthquake Reports from Linxia and Baiyin

Located in Linxia, the Baiyin earthquake is the third earthquake felt today.

Earthquake Information

Today, there were two earthquakes during the day, both of which were aftershocks of the Jishishan earthquake in Linxia, Gansu. There were rumbling sounds, followed by window shaking and slight trembling.

Tonight, during the Baiyin earthquake, there were no rumbling sounds, but lying in bed, I heard the windows rattling, and the sensation was shaking, not trembling. The window shaking alerted me that it was an earthquake. However, due to experiencing dozens of earthquakes, large and small, in the past ten days, I had become somewhat numb to them, so I observed calmly.

After the windows shook for about 15 seconds, it suddenly intensified. I felt that something was wrong and quickly got up to wake up my father. Then, I continued to feel and listen to the earthquake at the doorway, observing changes in its intensity. During this time, I heard noises from neighbors, things falling, and buildings collapsing, all mixed with shouting and barking nearby.

The earthquake lasted for about 40 seconds in total, gradually subsiding. I found that our house was undamaged and went back to sleep. Lying in bed, I checked my phone to confirm the earthquake’s location and magnitude. This time, it was indeed not in Jishishan; it was in Pingchuan District of Baiyin City. The earthquake warning indicated a magnitude of 5.1.

Earthquakes in Gansu and Sichuan: A Personal Account

The recent earthquake in Gansu didn’t seem to be felt in Sichuan, at least not in my hometown (Zigong, Sichuan), where I had no knowledge of the incident. A magnitude of 4.9 doesn’t qualify as a major earthquake, after all.

However, there were two strong earthquakes in my hometown’s county. One occurred yesterday evening around 9 PM, and the other happened this afternoon around 2 PM, both with noticeable tremors and shaking houses. During the afternoon earthquake, I was taking a nap, and before I could fully wake up, I felt the bed shaking. My immediate reaction was to realize it was an earthquake. Fortunately, people from Sichuan are somewhat seasoned when it comes to earthquakes, as the saying goes, “Don’t run for a major quake, you can’t escape a minor one.” So, we didn’t rush outside. The afternoon earthquake lasted for about 5 seconds and then subsided, allowing me to continue my nap.

I checked with my friends in Chengdu and other places, and they didn’t experience any noticeable tremors. It seems that the earthquake was localized in our area. Later, I heard that the epicenter was less than 20 kilometers away from us. Given our recent history of frequent earthquakes due to shale gas extraction, it wasn’t surprising. Eventually, the developers compromised and stopped drilling around our county.

This recent earthquake in Gansu occurred in Pingchuan District of Baiyin City, less than 2 hours before the end of 2023. We pray that there are no casualties.

According to the China Earthquake Networks Center, on December 31st at 22:27, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck Pingchuan District, Baiyin City, Gansu. The earthquake had a depth of 10 kilometers and its epicenter was located at 36.74 degrees north latitude and 105.00 degrees east longitude. The epicenter was 16 kilometers from Pingchuan District, 34 kilometers from Jingyuan County, 61 kilometers from Haiyuan County in Ningxia, 79 kilometers from Baiyin District, 83 kilometers from Tongxin County in Ningxia, and 80 kilometers from Baiyin City, with a distance of 130 kilometers from Lanzhou City.

The earthquake was strongly felt in areas like Baiyin, with noticeable tremors in Lanzhou, Xining, and Yinchuan. Some places may have experienced slight tremors as well. However, for the people of Gansu who have just gone through an earthquake, even the slightest movement can greatly affect their emotions.

In recent years, there have been many earthquakes worldwide due to significant changes in the Earth’s climate and increased tectonic activity. China is located in two major seismic zones: the Circum-Pacific Seismic Belt and the Eurasian Seismic Belt. Due to the compression from the Pacific Plate and the Indian Plate, China is considered a seismically active country. The earthquake-prone areas in China are primarily divided into five regions, as follows:

As seen in the map, regions like Gansu and Sichuan are located in active seismic zones (mainly the Tibetan Himalayan Seismic Belt and its surroundings). Influenced by the Mediterranean Plate and the Eurasian Plate, this is the largest seismic zone in China, with a long history of frequent earthquakes. Various sizes of earthquakes occur frequently, sometimes several times a year. In recent years, major earthquakes such as the Wenchuan earthquake and the Yushu earthquake have occurred in this area. The earliest documented earthquake in this region dates back to the Ningxia Yinchuan earthquake in 1739, which had a magnitude of 8.0 and resulted in 65,000 casualties.

The mentioned Pingluo County is located near Yinchuan, Ningxia:

As we approach 2024, we hope for breakthroughs in earthquake prediction and scientific research to detect precursory phenomena earlier, preventing major disasters.

Gansu Earthquake: Key Information

• Date: December 31st, at 22:27
• Location: Pingchuan District, Baiyin City, Gansu
• Magnitude: 4.9
• Depth: 10 kilometers
• Coordinates: 36.74 degrees north latitude, 105.00 degrees east longitude
• Altitude: 2052 meters above sea level

The epicenter is located in Gonghe Town, Pingchuan District, Baiyin City, Gansu. It is 9 kilometers from Honghui Road Street, 14 kilometers from Changzheng Street, 17 kilometers from Xingping Road Street, 17 kilometers from Baoji Town, 20 kilometers from Huangqiao Town, 26 kilometers from Wangjiashan Town, and 27 kilometers from Shuiquan Town. It is also 25 kilometers from Jing’an Township, Jingyuan County, 25 kilometers from Dongwan Town, 27 kilometers from Wuhe Town, and 30 kilometers from Santan Town.

Generally, earthquakes below 2.5 are usually not felt and are called microquakes, earthquakes between 2.5 and 5.0 are felt and are referred to as noticeable earthquakes, while earthquakes greater than 5.0 can cause damage and are termed destructive earthquakes.

As of 23:00 on December 31st, 6 people felt it very strongly, 259 people felt it strongly, 1229 people felt it, and 406 people felt it weakly. [1]

This earthquake occurred approximately 3 kilometers from the nearest major fault, the Laji Mountain North Margin Fault Zone. Experts believe that this earthquake belongs to the thrust fault rupture type.

This earthquake was felt in Baiyin City, Lanzhou City, Dingxi City, Pingliang City, Tianshui City, Gannan Prefecture, Wuwei City, and other areas. The average altitude within 5 kilometers of the epicenter is approximately 2052 meters. According to the China Earthquake Networks Center, there have been 21 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or higher within 200 kilometers of the epicenter in the past five years, with this earthquake being the largest.

Baiyin City is located in the central-northern part of Gansu Province, situated in the transitional zone between the Loess Plateau and the Tengger Desert. It has a complex geological structure and is influenced by the southeastern part of the Eurasian Plate. This region experiences relatively frequent seismic activity. Being at the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it is a critical zone with multiple fault zones, including the Qilian Mountain North Margin Fault and the Haiyuan Fault Zone, both of which have experienced destructive earthquakes in history.

As per reports, towns and villages within 20 kilometers of the epicenter experienced strong tremors, with no reports of damage to buildings or casualties. All mines in Pingchuan District of Baiyin City and Jingyuan County have suspended production and evacuated as required. There have been no reports of dam collapse or breach in tailings ponds.

As of 23:30 on December 31st, there have been 5 recorded aftershocks, including 4 with a magnitude below 1.0, 1 with a magnitude between 1.0 and 1.9, 0 between 2.0 and 2.9, 0 between 3.0 and 3.9, and 0 between 4.0 and 4.9, according to Gansu Earthquake Bureau. [2]

Location: Pingchuan District, Baiyin, Gansu, China Strongly felt earthquake, houses and televisions shaking. Only one main shock occurred so far, aftershocks have not appeared yet.

I am 100 kilometers away from the earthquake, in Jingtai County. Currently, there are only screenshots of earthquake warnings being shared in the county. There isn’t even a video with swaying lights. I’ve asked in several local groups, and everyone is saying they are okay.

Earthquake Alert

China Earthquake Network Center’s automatic monitoring: Around 22:27 on December 31st, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurred near Jingyuan County, Baiyin City, Gansu Province, China (latitude 36.78 degrees north, longitude 105.06 degrees east). Please refer to the official bulletin for the final results. (@China Earthquake Network Center)

Zhihu Invitation

According to the China Earthquake Network [1], the depth of the earthquake source this time was 10 kilometers, with the epicenter located at approximately 36.74 degrees north latitude and 105.00 degrees east longitude (within the territory of Pingchuan District, Baiyin City, Gansu Province). The magnitude of the earthquake was 4.9. Villages within a 5-kilometer radius of the epicenter include Tulaizi Gou, Xiaoshigou, Tulaizi, Xijinwan, and Beimang Gou. Townships within a 20-kilometer radius include Gonghe Town and Baoji Town. The epicenter is 16 kilometers from Pingchuan District, 34 kilometers from Jingyuan County, 61 kilometers from Haiyuan County in Ningxia, 79 kilometers from Baiyin District, 83 kilometers from Tongxin County in Ningxia, and 80 kilometers from Baiyin City. It is 130 kilometers away from Lanzhou City.

The earthquake has just occurred, and it has only been about thirty to forty minutes. There isn’t much information available on the internet yet. From the news I have found so far, areas with relatively strong tremors include Lanzhou, Xining, and Yinchuan. Previous answers also mentioned that there were strong tremors in Xining, Qinghai. We need to wait for further reports for more information.

This earthquake easily reminds us of the earthquake that occurred in Jishishan County, Linxia City, Gansu Province on December 18, 2023, at 23:59. The epicenters of these two earthquakes are very close, with the previous one at 35.70 degrees north latitude, 102.79 degrees east longitude, only one degree difference in latitude and a little over two degrees in longitude compared to this time. The depth of the earthquake source is also almost the same, both at 10 kilometers, which is considered a shallow earthquake. However, the previous Jishishan earthquake had a magnitude of 6.2, 1.3 points higher than this one, and the energy release was many times higher (according to the Richter scale formula, the energy released by an earthquake is in joules, and it is proportional to the Richter magnitude).

Therefore, it is difficult to say whether this earthquake is related to the previous Jishishan earthquake. Fortunately, the magnitude of this earthquake is not high, only slightly higher than a 4.5-magnitude aftershock of the Jishishan earthquake, categorizing it as a moderate earthquake (Richter magnitude ≥ 4.5 but less than 6). Considering that it occurred around 10 PM, the damage should not be too significant.

Wishing the people in the earthquake-stricken area a safe New Year.

Earthquake in Gansu: 4.9 Magnitude Quake Hits Pingchuan District

According to the China Earthquake Network, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake occurred at 22:27 on December 31, 2023, in Pingchuan District, Baiyin City, Gansu Province, China, at a depth of 10 kilometers [1].

This earthquake occurred on the Haiyuan Fault Zone, which is a part of the complex tectonic system along the northeastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The region experiences intense tectonic deformation and seismic activity due to the continuous uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the convergence of the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Multiple large deep-seated fault zones are distributed throughout the area. The Haiyuan Fault is the largest and most active left-lateral strike-slip fault within this region [2]. As shown in the figure below, the Qilian-Haiyuan Fault can extend westward to the Muli-Jiangcang Fault near Hala Lake and eastward through Menyuan, Gulang, Jingtai, Haiyuan, Guyuan, and all the way to Liupanshan Fault, with a total length of approximately 980 kilometers [3].

Historical seismic data indicates that the Qilian-Haiyuan Fault Zone is seismically active. Since 1900, it has experienced significant earthquakes, including the 1920 Haiyuan M8½ earthquake and the 1927 Gulang M8 earthquake, causing surface ruptures along the fault zone for about 350 kilometers.

A detailed analysis of high-resolution deep seismic reflection profiles conducted in the northern segment of the Haiyuan Fault Zone in 2009 reveals the deep geometry and the crust-mantle structures on both sides of the fault zone. The results show that the Haiyuan Fault is not a simple steep or gently dipping fault; its geometry varies with depth. The reflection characteristics beneath the Moho beneath the Haiyuan Fault indicate that it is not a direct crustal detachment fault cutting through the Moho [2].

Location: Lanzhou, Yuzhong County, people are already numb.

In the new year, starting with an earthquake.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year, 2024, commence!

Remembering the 1920 Haiyuan Earthquake in Ningxia

Located 61 kilometers from the sea—In December 1920, the Haiyuan earthquake in Ningxia (also known as the “Xihai Gu Great Earthquake” alongside Xiji and Guyuan in the vicinity), measuring 8.5 on the Richter scale with a intensity of 12, shook for over ten minutes, equivalent to the energy release of ten Tangshan earthquakes. It resulted in over 280,000 casualties and 300,000 injuries. This earthquake had a significant impact on the Northwestern region and was felt as far as Hong Kong and Vietnam.

It was this earthquake that prompted China to establish its own seismological observatories.

Just now, I received an earthquake warning on my phone. Gansu, one after another, can’t bear it. I implore the heavens to cease shaking.

New Year’s Eve Earthquake in Baiyin, Gansu Province

On the night of December 31st, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck Baiyin City, Gansu Province.

The epicenter was in Gonghe Town, Yu County, 16 kilometers from Yu County and 80 kilometers from Baiyin City.

According to the China Earthquake Networks Center, the nearest administrative village to the epicenter is Xiaochuan Village in Baoji Town, Yu County. The closest township is Honghui Road Street in Yu County, and the nearest district is Yu County, Baiyin City. Baiyin City is the closest city or prefecture.

The nearest fault to the epicenter is the Haiyuan Fault, located 4 kilometers away. The largest historical earthquake within a 50-kilometer radius of the epicenter occurred on December 16, 1920, when a magnitude 8.5 earthquake struck Haiyuan, Ningxia, which was 10 kilometers away from the current earthquake.

According to the Gansu Provincial Seismological Bureau, this Baiyin earthquake is unrelated to the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Jishishan.

Following the earthquake, the Gansu Provincial Fire and Rescue Brigade immediately activated a Level I response. They dispatched 6 teams, including Lanzhou and Baiyin, consisting of 443 firefighters, 61 fire trucks, 12 search and rescue dogs, and earthquake rescue equipment, including life detection devices. Currently, 41 vehicles, 283 personnel, and 8 dogs from Baiyin, Lanzhou New Area, Wuwei, and Pingliang have all been mobilized and are on their way to the scene.

According to the latest reports, although the area near the epicenter experienced strong tremors, there have been no reports of building collapses or casualties.

There are five large coal mines near the epicenter, which were already in a shutdown state before the earthquake. Safety inspections are currently underway.

The Gansu Provincial Seismological Bureau and Yu County Seismological Bureau have dispatched 6 vehicles and 28 personnel for on-site emergency response.

Based on various signs, the damage caused by this earthquake is not expected to be extensive. Nevertheless, the occurrence of such an earthquake on New Year’s Eve is certainly a cause for concern for people across the country. Our heartfelt wishes for the safety of the people in the affected area!

Earthquake Strikes Baiyin, Gansu: A Seismically Active Region

On December 31st, at 4:55 PM Beijing time, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Pingchuan District of Baiyin City in Gansu Province (latitude 36.74 degrees north, longitude 105.00 degrees east). The earthquake had a depth of 10 kilometers. The epicenter was located 16 kilometers from Pingchuan District, 34 kilometers from Jingyuan County, 61 kilometers from Haiyuan County in Ningxia, 79 kilometers from Baiyin District, 83 kilometers from Tongxin County in Ningxia, and 80 kilometers from Baiyin City. The earthquake was strongly felt in Baiyin and surrounding areas, with noticeable tremors in Lanzhou, Xining, and Yinchuan. Villages within a 5-kilometer radius of the epicenter include Tulaizi Gou, Xiaoshigou, Tulaizi, Xijiwan, and Beimang Gou, while townships within a 20-kilometer radius include Gonghe Town and Baoji Town. Currently, there have been no reports of casualties or property damage. Following the earthquake, local government and relevant departments swiftly initiated emergency response efforts, conducting assessments of the disaster and engaging in rescue operations.

Gansu experiences frequent earthquakes due to its location within China’s active seismic zone. This seismic zone spans the transition zone between the eastern and western geological structures of the Chinese mainland, featuring highly complex terrain and geological formations. Gansu is influenced by several major tectonic systems, including the Qilian-Hexi mountain-type structure, the Xinhuaxia structure, and the Hexi structure. These systems intersect and bend within the province, giving rise to significant tectonic activity. Large-scale active faults like the Altun fracture, Changma fracture, and the northern edge of Longshou Mountain fracture are almost ubiquitous throughout Gansu Province, contributing to the uneven distribution of seismic activity in the province. The earthquake zones within Gansu include the North-South seismic zone, the Hexi Corridor seismic zone, and the Altun seismic zone, making Gansu a region prone to frequent earthquakes throughout history. Notable historical earthquakes in and around Gansu include the 743 AD earthquake in Qingzhou, the 1125 AD earthquake in Lanzhou, the 1556 AD earthquake in Huaxian, Shaanxi, the 1654 AD earthquake in Qingzhou, the 1879 AD magnitude 8 earthquake in Wudu County, the major earthquake in Haiyuan, Ningxia in 1920, the 1927 earthquake in Gulang County, the 1932 earthquake in Yumen and Changma, and the devastating Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan on May 12, 2008.

Keep the earthquakes in 2023, and have a safe and peaceful 2024.

After the major earthquake

There is a possibility of large aftershocks within 2 years

And new earthquakes

After a major earthquake, there is a long time to adapt to life, to adapt to the fear in one’s heart, and to adapt to unexpected arrivals!

Especially for those who have suffered significant losses in the earthquake, they need to adapt even more.