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Deformation Relics of the 1556 Huaxian Great Earthquake and Paleoseismicity of the Huashan Frontal Fault Zone

Seismology and Geology

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  1. Natural disasters · 23 January 1556

    1556 Huaxian Earthquake

    Huaxian earthquake and Weinan fault area · China

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    Why editors use it here

    Field study of deformation remains and active faults used to locate and reconstruct the historical earthquake.

    1. Quick read

      During the night of 23 January 1556, a major earthquake struck the Wei River basin in Ming China, with its most severe effects around Huaxian in Shaanxi.

      Reviewed 5 August 2026
    2. Trigger and conditions

      Strong fault movement along the southeastern Weihe Graben produced violent shaking and surface deformation.

      Reviewed 5 August 2026
    3. Uncertainty

      No instrument measured the earthquake.

      Reviewed 5 August 2026
    4. Why it matters

      Huaxian is a defining example of how geology, settlement patterns, vulnerable construction, and cascading hunger and disease combine in disaster.

      Reviewed 5 August 2026