Spatio-temporal characteristics of strong aftershocks of the M_S8.0 Wenchuan earthquake

Based on Gutenberg-Richter's relation, Bath's law, Omori's law and Well's relation of rupture scale, this paper forecasts the temporal decay, total number, possible area and greatest magnitude of strong aftershocks (greater than or equal to M6.0) of the M_S8.0 Wenchuan earthquake by using the magnitude and statistical parameters of earthquakes in California area of USA. The number of strong aftershocks, the parameters of Gutenberg-Richter's relation and the modified form of Omori's law are validated based on the relocation data of aftershock sequence of the M_S8.0 Wenchuan earthquake. Moreover, the spatio-temporal characteristics and wave energy release of the strong aftershocks (M≥6.0) are analyzed. The result shows that strong aftershocks may occur at the end of local drop and sharp drop on the wave energy release curve.