Air-Space-Ground Synergistic Observations for Rapid Post-Seismic Disaster Assessment of 2025 Ms6.8 Xigazê Earthquake, Xizang

Abstract

On January 7, 2025, an Ms6.8 earthquake struck Dingri County, Xigazê City, in the Xizang Autonomous Region. The epicenter, located near the Shenzha-Dingjie fault zone at the boundary between the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and the Indian Plate, marked the largest earthquake in the region in recent years. The Shenzha-Dingjie fault zone, situated at the boundary between the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and the Indian Plate, is a key tectonic feature in the India-Eurasia collision process, exhibiting both thrust and strike-slip faulting. This study analyzed the disaster characteristics induced by the earthquake using Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (D-InSAR) to process Sentinel-1 satellite data and derive pre- and post-earthquake surface deformation information. Additionally, high-resolution optical remote sensing data, UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) imagery, and airborne LiDAR (light detection and ranging) data were employed to analyze the spatial distribution of the surface rupture zone, with field investigations validating the findings. Key results include: (1) Field verification confirmed that potential landslide hazard points identified via optical image interpretation did not exhibit secondary landslide activity; (2) D-InSAR revealed the co-seismic surface deformation pattern, providing detailed deformation information for the Dingri region; (3) Integration of LiDAR and optical imagery further refined and validated surface rupture characteristics identified by optical-InSAR, indicating a predominantly north-south rupture zone. Additionally, surface fracture features extending in a near east-west direction were observed on the southeast side of the epicenter, accompanied by some infrastructure damage; (4) Surface fracture was most severe in high-intensity seismic areas near the epicenter, with the maximum surface displacement approximately 28 km from the epicenter. The earthquake-induced surface deformation zone spanned approximately 6 km by 46 km, with deformation concentrated primarily on the western side of the Dingmucuo Fault, where maximum subsidence of 0.65 m was detected. On the eastern side, uplift was dominant, reaching a maximum of 0.75 m. This earthquake poses significant threats to local communities and infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for continued monitoring in affected areas. The findings highlight the effectiveness of multi-source data fusion (space-air-ground based observation) in seismic disaster assessment, offering a methodological framework for rapid post-earthquake disaster response. providing a valuable scientific foundation for mitigating secondary disasters in the region.

Keywords

earthquakes / air-space-ground multi-source observations / 2025 Xigazê Ms6.8 earthquake / geohazards assessment / surface rupture characterization / post-seismic geohazard monitoring

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