Great earthquakes in the 21st century and geodynamics of the Tibetan Plateau

What are the geodynamic processes that caused these deadly earthquakes? Why have these earthquakes caused so much damage? What are the key lessons that we have learned from these devastating earthquakes? Answers to these questions will significantly enhance not only our understanding of earthquake occurrence but also our ability to reduce seismic hazard. Under the framework of bi-lateral cooperation on earthquake sciences between China and USA, the Second Bi-Lateral Workshop on Earthquake Sciences was held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, from April 22 to 25, 2011. Among the goals of this workshop was a review of recent advances in the study of great earthquakes and the exchange of ideas on earthquake disaster reduction. The principle theme of the workshop was “Great Earthquakes in the 21st Century and Geodynamics.” This Special Issue contains a total of 24 papers presented during the workshop. The contributions cover a wide-range of topics associated with the theme. This preface summarizes the main points of the papers presented in this issue.