Distribution characteristics of coseismic landslides induced by the 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake: Insights from updated inventory and fault rupture process

Siyuan Ma; Xiaoyi Shao; Jingjing Sun; Chong Xu

doi:10.1007/s12583-025-0360-9

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Journal of Earth Science > 2025 > Corrected proof

Siyuan Ma, Xiaoyi Shao, Jingjing Sun, Chong Xu. Distribution characteristics of coseismic landslides induced by the 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake: Insights from updated inventory and fault rupture process. Journal of Earth Science. doi: 10.1007/s12583-025-0360-9

Citation:

Siyuan Ma, Xiaoyi Shao, Jingjing Sun, Chong Xu. Distribution characteristics of coseismic landslides induced by the 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake: Insights from updated inventory and fault rupture process. Journal of Earth Science. doi: 10.1007/s12583-025-0360-9

Citation:

Siyuan Ma, Xiaoyi Shao, Jingjing Sun, Chong Xu. Distribution characteristics of coseismic landslides induced by the 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake: Insights from updated inventory and fault rupture process. Journal of Earth Science. doi: 10.1007/s12583-025-0360-9

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Distribution characteristics of coseismic landslides induced by the 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake: Insights from updated inventory and fault rupture process

doi: 10.1007/s12583-025-0360-9

Siyuan Ma^1,2,
Xiaoyi Shao^3,4,
Jingjing Sun^3,4,
Chong Xu^{3,4
,
,}

1. Institute of Geology, China Earthquake Administration, Beijing, 100029, China;
2. Key Laboratory of Seismic and Volcanic Hazards, Institute of Geology, China Earthquake Administration, Beijing, 100029, China;
3. National Institute of Natural Hazards, Ministry of Emergency Management of China, Beijing 100085, China;
4. Key Laboratory of Compound and Chained Natural Hazards Dynamics, Ministry of Emergency Management of China, Beijing 100085, China

Funds:

This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (42407275) and National Institute of Natural Hazards, Ministry of Emergency Management of China (2023-JBKY-57).

Available Online: 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

Abstract

Our work aims to elucidate how topographic features, geological characteristics, and the seismic rupture process jointly influence the distribution pattern of landslides triggered by the 2017 Ms7.0 Jiuzhaigou earthquake, thereby clarifying observed anomalies and density patterns of landslides induced by strike-slip seismic events. Using an updated inventory that documents 9,428 coseismic landslides with a total mapped area of 18.82 km², we reveal that most landslides are concentrated within 5 km on both sides of the NW–SE trending seismogenic fault. However, the two landslide clusters do not align with regions of the steepest slopes or specific lithological units. Instead, they correspond to zones of high coseismic slip and dense aftershock activity. Notably, a distinct landslide-sparse segment near the epicenter coincides with a low-slip zone on the rupture plane, suggesting that fault rupture characteristics exert a dominant control on landslide distribution. Comparison with the 2022 Ms6.8 Luding earthquake further supports this interpretation, as its greater slip displacement and seismic moment led to more extensive surface damage and a higher number of landslides. These findings highlight the critical role of rupture dynamics in coseismic landslide generation and provide insights applicable to future hazard assessments in strike-slip fault zones.
- 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake,
- coseismic landslides,
- Rupture characteristics,
- Influencing factors,
- Aftershock sequences

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References(43)

References

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Distribution characteristics of coseismic landslides induced by the 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake: Insights from updated inventory and fault rupture process

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