Preface to the special issue on major earthquake hazards and disaster reduction

Abstract Earthquake disasters not only cause direct loss of life and property but can also generate a series of secondary natural disasters and social impacts. China is an earthquake-prone region. There are many different types of active structures with destructive seismic capability in mainland China and its adjacent areas, which are facing an extremely high risk of earthquake hazards. Detailed scientific studies of major earthquake hazards can accumulate valuable experience for the prediction and prevention of earthquake disaster mitigaiton. The study of the source physical processes, deep structure and surface processes of seismogenic structures in major earthquakes is helpful in deeply understanding the mechanisms and patterns of earthquake hazards and provides a theoretical basis for the earthquake disasters reduction. The purpose of this special issue is to bring together the latest research achievements on major earthquake hazards in recent years, such as detailed reports, the occurrence processes and mechanisms of major earthquakes, the evolution of active structures and earthquake surface processes, the prediction and risk assessment of major earthquake disasters, the earthquake disasters reduction and the emergency response and rescue after major earthquakes.