Multi-scale seismic hazard and risk in the China mainland with implication for the preparedness, mitigation, and management of earthquake disasters: An overview

Earthquake hazard and risk in the China mainland exhibit multi-scale characteristics. Facing the complex challenge, several research and application projects have been undertaken since recent years. Lessons and experiences of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake contributed much to the launching and conducting of these projects. Understandings of the scientific problems and technical approaches taken in the mainstream studies in the China mainland have no significant difference from those in the international scientific communities, albeit using of some of the terminologies has distinct ‘cultural differences’. Several scientific products have been produced serving the society. These scientific products have unique academic merits due to the long-term persistence feature and the forward forecast nature, which are essential for the evaluation of the related technical performance and the falsification of the scientific ideas. Coping with the multi-scale challenge needs the hierarchical actors' network making science and technology transform to the actions of the public for the preparedness, mitigation, and management of earthquake disasters, which is still in need of careful design and construction.