Earthquake Seismic Moment, Rupture Radius and Stress-drop from P-wave Displacement Amplitude vs Time Curves

Author(s):  
Aldo Zollo ◽  
Sahar Nazeri ◽  
Simona Colombelli
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
aldo zollo ◽  
sahar nazeri ◽  
Simona Colombelli

The reliable determination of earthquake source parameters is a relevant task of seismological investigations which ground nowadays on high quality seismic waveforms collected by near-source dense arrays of ground motion sensors. Here we propose a parametric modelling technique which analyzes the time-domain P-wave signal recorded in the near-source range of small-to-large size earthquakes. Assuming a triangular moment-rate function and a uniform speed, circular rupture model, we develop the equations to estimate the seismic moment, rupture radius and stress-drop from the corner-time and plateau level of the average logarithm of the P-wave displacement vs time curves (LPDT). The constant-Q, anelastic attenuation effect is accounted by a post-processing procedure that evaluates the Q-unperturbed moment-rate triangular shape.<br>The methodology has been validated through the application to the acceleration records of the 2016-2017 Central Italy and 2007-2019 Japan earthquake sequences covering a wide moment magnitude range (Mw 2.5 - 6.5) and recording distance < 100 km. After correcting for the anelastic attenuation function, the estimated average stress-drop and the confidence interval (〈∆σ〉=0.60 (0.42-0.87) MPa and 〈∆σ〉=1.53 (1.01-2.31) for crustal and subcrustal events of Japan and 〈∆σ〉=0.36(0.30-0.44) MPa for Central Italy) show, for both regions, a self-similar, constant stress-drop scaling of the rupture duration/radius with seismic moment. The smaller sensitivity of the spatially averaged, time-varying peak displacement amplitude to the radiation from localized high slip patch on the fracture surface, could explain the retrieved smaller average stress-drops for sub-crustal earthquakes in Japan and M>5.5 events in Central Italy relative to previous estimates using spectral methods.<br><br>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
aldo zollo ◽  
sahar nazeri ◽  
Simona Colombelli

The reliable determination of earthquake source parameters is a relevant task of seismological investigations which ground nowadays on high quality seismic waveforms collected by near-source dense arrays of ground motion sensors. Here we propose a parametric modelling technique which analyzes the time-domain P-wave signal recorded in the near-source range of small-to-large size earthquakes. Assuming a triangular moment-rate function and a uniform speed, circular rupture model, we develop the equations to estimate the seismic moment, rupture radius and stress-drop from the corner-time and plateau level of the average logarithm of the P-wave displacement vs time curves (LPDT). The constant-Q, anelastic attenuation effect is accounted by a post-processing procedure that evaluates the Q-unperturbed moment-rate triangular shape.<br>The methodology has been validated through the application to the acceleration records of the 2016-2017 Central Italy and 2007-2019 Japan earthquake sequences covering a wide moment magnitude range (Mw 2.5 - 6.5) and recording distance < 100 km. After correcting for the anelastic attenuation function, the estimated average stress-drop and the confidence interval (〈∆σ〉=0.60 (0.42-0.87) MPa and 〈∆σ〉=1.53 (1.01-2.31) for crustal and subcrustal events of Japan and 〈∆σ〉=0.36(0.30-0.44) MPa for Central Italy) show, for both regions, a self-similar, constant stress-drop scaling of the rupture duration/radius with seismic moment. The smaller sensitivity of the spatially averaged, time-varying peak displacement amplitude to the radiation from localized high slip patch on the fracture surface, could explain the retrieved smaller average stress-drops for sub-crustal earthquakes in Japan and M>5.5 events in Central Italy relative to previous estimates using spectral methods.<br><br>


1997 ◽  
Vol 87 (5) ◽  
pp. 1288-1296
Author(s):  
Nicholas Deichmann

Abstract Recently, Sato (1994) developed a simple earthquake source model of a circular rupture expanding outward from the center of a fault with constant stress drop. In contrast to previous models, the rupture velocity is allowed to vary over the duration of faulting. This model is used to synthesize apparent moment-rate functions for a three-stage source process: first, the rupture starts out with a gradually increasing velocity, then, it continues to expand uniformly until, finally, it slows to a gradual stop. Synthetic velocity seismograms are obtained from a convolution of the apparent moment-rate functions with a causal Q-operator and an appropriate instrument response. Comparisons with an example of an earthquake signal show that, in the context of the proposed model, the observed emergent P-wave onset, which is not compatible with a constant rupture velocity, can be explained by a gradually accelerating rupture front. Systematic departures from the generally expected scaling relationship between seismic moment and rupture duration are often interpreted as evidence for a dependence of stress drop on seismic moment. However, the trade-off between stress drop and rupture velocity inherent in all kinematic source models implies that such deviations can just as well be attributed to systematic variations of rupture velocity. Whereas, in general, the total duration of the far-field displacement pulse is shorter for P waves than for S waves, the model predicts that the rise time, τ1/2, of the displacement pulse should be longer for P waves than for S waves. This feature could constitute a critical test of the model and also provide a constraint on the rupture velocity.


2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bálint Süle

AbstractDynamic source parameters are estimated from P-wave displacement spectra for 18 local earthquakes (1.2 < ML < 3.7) that occurred in two seismically active regions of Hungary between 1995 and 2004. Although the geological setting of the two areas is quite different, their source parameters cannot be distinguished. The source dimensions range from 200 to 900 m, the seismic moment from 6.3x1011 to 3.48×1014 Nm, the stress drop from 0.13 to 6.86 bar, and the average displacement is less than 1 cm for all events. The scaling relationship between seismic moment and stress drop indicates a decrease in stress drop with decreasing seismic moment. A linear relationship of M w = 0.71 M L + 0.92 is obtained between local magnitude and moment magnitude.


1984 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 235-254
Author(s):  
William H. Bakun ◽  
Marcia McLaren

Abstract Eighteen digital event recorders were deployed during May-June 1981 along the creeping-to-locked transition of the San Andreas fault zone near San Juan Bautista, California, as a supplement to the U.S. Geological Survey's central California seismic network. Analysis of 18 well-recorded microearthquakes (0.7 ≦ ML ≦ 2.8) located along the transition confirms the complexity of the crust and fault-zone structure of the transition region. Seismic-wave site amplification is 2 to 10 times greater at sites between the San Andreas and Sargent fault traces, consistent with other evidence for lower velocities in the upper 3 km of crust there. Routine mislocation of epicenters 2 to 4 km northeast of the Sargent fault are consistent with greater P-wave velocity northeast of the Sargent fault. Microearthquake source parameters are consistent with a more segmented and splayed fault geometry toward the northwest locked end of the transition. P-wave nodal planes for 10 microearthquakes located to the northwest, 9 on the Sargent fault, and 1 near the San Andreas, are oriented more westerly than nodal planes commonly obtained for the frequent moderate-size earthquakes on the creeping section of the San Andreas fault to the southeast. Static stress drop, dynamic stress drop, and apparent stress estimates all increase with seismic moment, with the apparent stress and dynamic stress drops equal to about 3 and 20 per cent, respectively of the static stress drop. Average fracture energies, calculated assuming complete stress drop, generally increase with source size (seismic moment, rupture area, seismic slip, etc.) from 7 to 3000 J/m2; the two events with anomalously low fracture energies occurred on the creeping section of the San Andreas fault.


1983 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 304-304
Author(s):  
Charles Cleland Rosé

The monitoring of the number of acoustic seismic impulses arising from snow instabilities is regarded as a relative indicator of an unstable snow slope but has not yielded a qualitative, predictive indicator. Until now, the source parameters (fracture area and length), seismic moment, energy released, stress drop, and location of acoustic seismic emissions arising from the snowpack have been neglected. A comprehension of these parameters leads to a better understanding of the event and may help in avalanche prediction.The location of a seismic event is derived from time differences between P-wave arrivals at four sensors located at the snow-ground interface. Three methods confirm the location of an acoustic seismic snow event to within 2 to 4 cm when the event is inside a seismic net.Spectral analyses of body waves from seismic snow events yield estimates of source parameters, stress drop and energy released. Equivalent dislocation surface radii range from 4.8 to 9.0 cm, which give stress drops of 0.20 to 0.29 bar, with a dissipated energy in the range of 0.0205 to 0.0632 J.Spectral analysis of the acoustic seismic snow event with application of dislocation theory provides several likely methods to predict avalanches of a climax type.


1980 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 243-267
Author(s):  
Jon B. Fletcher ◽  
A. Gerald Brady ◽  
Thomas C. Hanks

abstract The Oroville aftershock accelerograms are characterized by short durations (≲2 sec) of strong ground motion, small S-wave minus trigger times (≲2 sec), and an enrichment in frequencies above 1 Hz, as might be expected for 3 ≲ M ≲5 earthquakes recorded at close distances (R ≲ 15 km). These characteristics introduce significant error into the velocity and displacement traces calculated according to the routine procedures used in the series “Strong Motion Earthquake Accelerograms.” These errors are markedly reduced by removing all decimation in the processing scheme and by constructing a smoother response for the Ormsby high-pass filter. The result is an accurate set of velocity and displacement traces that can be used in a wide variety of source-mechanism and ground-motion studies. These revised processing procedures are applied to the ten strong-motion accelerograms of one of the largest aftershocks (0350 August 6, 1975; ML = 4.7) to illustrate the quality of data available for 12 such well-recorded aftershocks and to estimate the source properties of this particular earthquake. All of the accelerographs triggered on the P wave, allowing the recovery of the complete S wave on ten accelerograms. Offsets in displacement across the S wave and a ramp-like signature leading up to the S wave identified on the displacement traces are apparently near-field source effects. The seismic moment and stress drop determined for this normal faulting event are 4.0 × 1023 dyne-cm, and 410 bars, respectively. The seismic moment and stress drop are determined by averaging individual measurements at 9 and 8 stations, respectively, and are well-constrained with standard deviations that are about 25 per cent of the mean.


1983 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 304
Author(s):  
Charles Cleland Rosé

The monitoring of the number of acoustic seismic impulses arising from snow instabilities is regarded as a relative indicator of an unstable snow slope but has not yielded a qualitative, predictive indicator. Until now, the source parameters (fracture area and length), seismic moment, energy released, stress drop, and location of acoustic seismic emissions arising from the snowpack have been neglected. A comprehension of these parameters leads to a better understanding of the event and may help in avalanche prediction. The location of a seismic event is derived from time differences between P-wave arrivals at four sensors located at the snow-ground interface. Three methods confirm the location of an acoustic seismic snow event to within 2 to 4 cm when the event is inside a seismic net. Spectral analyses of body waves from seismic snow events yield estimates of source parameters, stress drop and energy released. Equivalent dislocation surface radii range from 4.8 to 9.0 cm, which give stress drops of 0.20 to 0.29 bar, with a dissipated energy in the range of 0.0205 to 0.0632 J. Spectral analysis of the acoustic seismic snow event with application of dislocation theory provides several likely methods to predict avalanches of a climax type.


1977 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 209-218
Author(s):  
R. B. Herrmann ◽  
G. W. Fischer ◽  
J. E. Zollweg

abstract The June 13, 1975 earthquake in the New Madrid seismic zone produced the first recorded strong-motion accelerograms for an event in the region, as well as the largest recorded accelerations to date for any event in eastern North America. The peak strong-motion values obtained from an analysis of the accelerograms are the following: amax = 43 cm/sec2, vmax = 1 cm/sec and dmax = 0.05 cm for the longitudinal S88°W component; amax = 31 cm/sec2, vmax = 0.6 cm/sec and dmax = 0.01 cm for the DOWN component; amax = 64 cm/sec2, vmax = 1.6 cm/sec2, and dmax = 0.09 cm for the tangential S02°E component. Source parameter estimation using long-period surface waves, Lg spectra, P-wave first motions and the integrated accelerograms leads to a consistent solution. The seismic moment is estimated to be 4E21 dyne-cm and the corner period 0.6 sec. The corner period-seismic moment pair for this event agrees with the regional scaling of these parameters observed by Street et al. (1975).


1981 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 423-436
Author(s):  
Willian H. Bakun ◽  
Thomas V. McEvilly

abstract Wood-Anderson seismograms recorded at Mount Hamilton (MHC, 185 km, 327°), Santa Barbara (SBC, 180 km, 158°), and Tinemaha (TIN, 240 km, 56°) provide data for comparing P-wave spectra for two immediate (17-min) foreshocks, one early (55-hr) foreshock, two aftershocks, and two “isolated” Parkfield earthquakes. All are ML 5.0 shocks with epicenters within 7 km of the common epicenter of the 1934 and 1966 Parkfield main shocks. The set of events is well suited for testing the hypothesis that foreshocks are high-stress-drop sources. Calculated stress drops are controlled by source directivity at azimuths aligned with the fault break (at MHC and SBC). P-wave radiation from the three foreshocks is focused along one fault trace azimuth, suggesting that foreshock sources are characterized by pronounced unilateral rupture expansion. At TIN, broadside to the fault where directivity has minimum effect on calculated relative stress drop, the two immediate foreshocks are higher stress-drop sources. The early foreshock is a low-to-average stress-drop source, indicating the possibility that stress concentration is a rapidly occurring phenomenon in rupture nucleation. Alternatively, the stress field is highly variable on the scale of 2 to 3 km in the focal region of an impending earthquake with a rupture length of 20 to 30 km.


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