GPS MEASUREMENTS AT SICHUAN LONGMENSHAN FAULT AND 2008 WENCHUAN EARTHQUAKE

Based on the GPS measurements of station velocity vector along the Longmenshan fault zone of Sichuan province,China,the convergence rates between both sides of the fault zone with about 300 km long are estimated,and the comparison between the rates mentioned above and the corresponding slip displacements along the fault caused by 2008 Wenchuan earthquake is made. Results indicate that the displacements mentioned above and aftershock distributions along the fault after the main earthquake are closely related with the rates mentioned above. In addition,it is estimated that the repeat occurrence of the similar earthquake like the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake at the Longmenshan fault will be at least several hundreds to thousand years. However,more accurate GPS measurements along the fault zone are necessary for more accurately estimating the convergence rates along the fault and discussing possible and/or potential earthquake occurrence along the fault above.