Investigation of Near-Surface S-Wave Velocity Structure beneath the Epicenter and adjacent Area of the Jishishan Earthquake by using the Receiver Function
Fan-chang Meng, Ruo-ge Xu,*, Hui Sun, Bo Li, Yun Long
1. Institute of Geophysics, China Earthquake Administration, Beijing 100081, China
2. National Field Scientifi c Observation Research Station of Earth Science at Beijing Baijiatuan Beijing 100081, China
3. School of Earth Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610097, China
4. China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
5. School of Instrument Science and electrical engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
Abstract Based on the observational data from 60 short-period stations deployed in the Jishishan M6.2earthquake epicenter and adjacent regions (Gansu Province, 2023), this study inverted the near-surface S-wave velocity structure through teleseismic receiver function analysis by using the amplitude of direct P-wave. The results reveal that the epicentral area (Liugou Township and surroundings) exhibits markedly low S-wave velocities of 400-600 m/s, with a mean value of (500 ± 50) m/s. In contrast, intermountain basins—Guanting Basin and Dahejia Basin—demonstrate significantly elevated velocities, exceeding the epicentral zone by 100-300 m/s, with values concentrated at 600-900 m/s. Notably, localized areas such as Jintian Village and Caotan Village maintain stable S-wave velocities of (700 ± 30) m/s.The western margin tectonic belt of Jishishan displays distinctive velocity differentiation: A pronounced velocity gradient zone along the 35.8°N latitude boundary separates northern areas (750 m/s). These findings demonstrate significant spatial heterogeneity in shallow S-wave velocity structures, primarily controlled by three factors:(1) topographic-geomorphic units, (2) stratigraphic lithological contrasts, and (3) anthropogenic modifications.The persistent low-velocity anomalies (<600 m/s) in the epicentral zone and northern Yellow River T2 terrace likely correlate with Quaternary unconsolidated sediments, enhanced groundwater circulation, and bedrock weathering.These results provide critical geophysical constraints for understanding both the seismogenic environment of the Jishishan earthquake and its damage distribution patterns. Furthermore, they establish a foundational framework for regional seismic intensity evaluation, site amplifi cation analysis, and secondary hazard risk assessment.
Fund: This research project is supported in part by Broadband Seismic 3D Array Detection (Phase I),Deep Earth Probe and Mineral Resources Exploration - National Science and Technology Major Project (Grant No. 2024ZD1000300), National Natural Science Foundation of China (42204061) and Gansu Jishishan 6.2 magnitude earthquake scientific investigation (DQJB23Y45) program.
About author: Author Resume Meng Fan-chang, male, born in 1988,assistant researcher, mainly engaged in crustal and upper mantle velocity discontinuity structure, seismic array observation technology and fiber optic seismology research. e-mail: m15510807802@163.com
Cite this article:
. Investigation of Near-Surface S-Wave Velocity Structure beneath the Epicenter and adjacent Area of the Jishishan Earthquake by using the Receiver Function[J]. APPLIED GEOPHYSICS, 2025, 22(3): 647-659.
2025, Vol. 22 
