Tree-Ring Abnormality Caused by Large Earthquake: An Example From the 1931 M 8.0 Fuyun Earthquake

Abstract

Large earthquakes of magnitude >6–7 with shallow focus depths can produce distinctive co-seismic surface ruptures and cause strong ground deformation, which frequently damages trees or alters their environment along pre-existing active faults (e.g. Jacoby et al. 1997; Lin and Lin 1998). Trees along active fault zones, therefore, are potential sources of information on paleoseismic faulting. Such evidence could lead to improved estimates of the recurrence interval of large magnitude earthquakes, characteristic displacements and seismic hazards in areas with no historical record.