The 1999 Chi-Chi, Taiwan earthquake (Mw7.7) produced spectacular surface faulting with vertical displacements of up to 8 m on the Chelungpu fault. The rupture behavior of this earthquake was well recorded by the Taiwan Strong Motion recorders, teleseismic data, and GPS-measurements. To understand the earthquake rupture process, one of the main issues is the level of stress on the fault before, during, and after the earthquake. The energy balance between the tectonic stress, dynamic friction, radiated energy, and heat dissipation controls the character of the dynamic rupture. Physical data is critical needed to make progress in understanding how large earthquakes occur.

Keywords: Asia, China, Taiwan, Active Fault Zones, Chelungpu Fault, Collision Zones, Convergent Margins, Earthquake Physics, Fault Lubrication, Fault Mechanics, Fault Properties