Disasters induced by the Wenchuan earthquakes, Sichuan, and geo-environmental safety

Based on the field investigation in emergency, interpretation of remote sensing images and historic geo-data, the author puts forward an over-all evaluation of geohazards induced by the Wenchuan earthquakes. Geohazard types in the earthquake area are distinguished and some typical examples are described. The relation between human safety and geo-environment is discussed on the basis of the basic characteristics of the Wenchuan earthquakes, combined with experience of the United States and Japan in earthquake disaster mitigation. .The author believes that geological safety is the first factor for meeting human existence, and its work goal is to make scrutiny for acceptability of geo-environmental safety and geohazard risk. The tasks of geological work are to survey and evaluate the geo-environmental quality and capacity at different scales and in different function regions and judge geological risks affected by earthquakes, climate and human activities.