Seismological challenges in earthquake hazard reductions: reflections on the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake

The Wenchuan earthquake is a natural disaster. Its occurrence and aftermath have demonstrated the critical roles of seismology and earthquake engineering in reducing seismic hazards and damages. However, their existing limitations should also be underscored. This article summarized and reviewed the current scientific understanding of earthquake ruptures, and new insights gained since the Wenchuan event. This study focused on the related challenges to seismology and earthquake engineering as follows: (1) The under-estimation of earthquake risks before occurrences. (2) The current limited data regarding large earthquakes in continental thrust fault systems. (3) The causal relationship between the Wenchuan earthquake and the reservoir impoundment in its vicinity. (4) The identification of low-velocity zone in the crust and its seismogenical role. (5) The casualties and economic losses from a cascade of diverse natural hazards triggered by the ruptures, and the excellent earthquake resistance associated with tunnels in mountainous terrain.