Wenchuan 512 earthquake and giant panda habitat
in Wolong, China: A review of strong earthquake effects

doi:10.1007/s11461-009-0071-x

Front. For. China

2009, Vol. 4

Issue (4) : 388-393 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11461-009-0071-x

Research articles

Wenchuan 512 earthquake and giant panda habitat in Wolong, China: A review of strong earthquake effects

Song CHENG,Jiming KONG,Hongtao SONG,

Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China;

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Abstract In May 12, 2008, a strong earthquake occurred in Wenchuan County in the northern Sichuan Province of China. It registered 8.0 on the Richter scale with an 11-degree quake intensity, killing a large number of people, and causing extensive damage to the local environment. Wolong National Nature Reserve is about 30 km away from the epicenter and is one of the most important giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) habitats in China. Based on the impacts of the Wenchuan 512 earthquake and those of other strong earthquakes in the world, this paper reviews and discusses effects of strong earthquakes on geomorphology, soil chemical and physical properties, forests, bamboo growth, biodiversity, and giant panda habitat. This information may be useful for scientists when undertaking research projects on natural geography, ecological restoration, and habitat restoration in the Reserve and the disaster area.

Keywords China ecological restoration environmental change giant panda habitat Wenchuan earthquake Wolong National Nature Reserve

Issue Date: 05 December 2009

Cite this article:

Song CHENG,Jiming KONG,Hongtao SONG. Wenchuan 512 earthquake and giant panda habitat in Wolong, China: A review of strong earthquake effects[J]. Front. For. China, 2009, 4(4): 388-393.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/ffc/EN/10.1007/s11461-009-0071-x
https://academic.hep.com.cn/ffc/EN/Y2009/V4/I4/388

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