Abstract:The classification of various ground fissure disasters,and the preliminary studies on the causes of various ground fissures were made on the basis of comprehensive research of ground fissures in Xi'an city.The macro-distribution of ground fissure disasters in China was mapped briefly,but more detailed in Fen-Wei Basin,where the fissure disasters are severe.The tasks on ground fissure research were put forward.In theory,the special laws should be studied,about how the ground fissures are unstable,propagate and stop in homogeneous,soft shallow soil-layers of the earth.In practice,the practical techniques should be provided to protect environment,resources and city plan from damage caused by the fissure disasters.Furthermore,some basic information may be given to benefit the earthqauke prediction research and geothermal energy development.The tasks should be undertaken by a new branch of earth scienees-Groundfissurology,which will be born in the beginning years of IDNDR (International-Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction).
