Multi-geophysical field observation is the main academic domain in research on earthquake preparation mechanisms, and satellite-based remote sensing technologies provide strong support for this study. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the 2010 Yushu earthquake, the earthquake preparation process was studied based on multi-geophysical field observations.The regional strain field was inversed from GPS data, and co- and post-stress effects were discussed by applying the focal mechanism model from the Wenchuan earthquake to the Yushu earthquake to distinguish their relationship. Then, all the precursors to the Yushu earthquake were collected and classified by their occurrence time and the parameters of GPS strain, gravity, electromagnetic fields, and infrared.The independence of the Yushu earthquake in terms of its preparation process and occurrence was verified by using regional GPS stress and strain field results and with the stress-triggering effects of the Wenchuan earthquake used as basis. The developing time chart of various anomalous information of the Yushu earthquake, which occurred on April 14, 2010, was drawn by integrating multi-geophysical parameters and combining the related results of seismology, gravity field, geochemical, infrared, and ionospheric monitoring studies. The remote sensing technologies present special monitoring advantages in the region with sparse station distribution.The three typical preparation processes of the Yushu earthquake can be divided based on the corresponding response of multi-geophysical parameters, and the underground rock in different stress states can excite anomalies in different geophysical fields. GPS stress and strain fields are the main parameter in long-term earthquake monitoring, and the space electromagnetic field presents evident perturbations in the impending time period. The coupling process and connections among multi-geophysical fields require further investigation. Satellite-based remote sensing technologies play important roles in this earthquake analysis and show significant advantages in regions with few seismic stations.

Yushu Earthquake;GPS strain field;multi-geophysical fields;preparation process