scholarly journals Seismic source dynamics, heterogeneity and friction

1994 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Madariaga ◽  
A. Cochard

It has recently been proposed by several authors that stress distribution around active faults may become critical spontaneously. Other authors believe that heterogeneity is a permanent feature of fault planes. We test these ideas on a simple but realistic fault model in the presence of non-linear rate-dependent friction. We find that if friction increases with decreasing slip rate, slip becomes unstable at low slip rates generating supersonic healing phases that lock slip prematurely. Locking of slip in turn produces stress heterogeneity. For a fault model containing a single localized asperity, Das and Okubo found that rupture starts at the asperity and propagates until it either encounters a strong barrier or the stress intensity reduces below a minimum level. Rupture in these models is completely controlled by the physics of the rupture front. Rate dependent friction changes the behavior of the fault in a fundamental way: friction can lock the fault prematurely generating supersonic healing phases. Unlike stopping phases produced by barriers, a healing phase is not a wave phenomenon; it is a direct consequence of the non-linearity of friction. In this case rise time for slip on the fault is no longer controlled by the overall size of the fault as in conventional constant-friction crack models. We find that in our asperity models it is rise time or the healing mechanism that controls the final size of the fault. Studying models involving several isolated asperities we find that stress heterogeneity is preserved provided that friction is strongly rate dependent. Depending on the details of the rupture process, the final state of stress on the fault can be quite complex. This behavior is not universal, it depends on the degree of rate-dependence of friction.

Geosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert C. Witter ◽  
Adrian M. Bender ◽  
Katherine M. Scharer ◽  
Christopher B. DuRoss ◽  
Peter J. Haeussler ◽  
...  

Active traces of the southern Fairweather fault were revealed by light detection and ranging (lidar) and show evidence for transpressional deformation between North America and the Yakutat block in southeast Alaska. We map the Holocene geomorphic expression of tectonic deformation along the southern 30 km of the Fairweather fault, which ruptured in the 1958 moment magnitude 7.8 earthquake. Digital maps of surficial geology, geomorphology, and active faults illustrate both strike-slip and dip-slip deformation styles within a 10°–30° double restraining bend where the southern Fairweather fault steps offshore to the Queen Charlotte fault. We measure offset landforms along the fault and calibrate legacy 14C data to reassess the rate of Holocene strike-slip motion (≥49 mm/yr), which corroborates published estimates that place most of the plate boundary motion on the Fairweather fault. Our slip-rate estimates allow a component of oblique-reverse motion to be accommodated by contractional structures west of the Fairweather fault consistent with geodetic block models. Stratigraphic and structural relations in hand-dug excavations across two active fault strands provide an incomplete paleoseismic record including evidence for up to six surface ruptures in the past 5600 years, and at least two to four events in the past 810 years. The incomplete record suggests an earthquake recurrence interval of ≥270 years—much longer than intervals <100 years implied by published slip rates and expected earthquake displacements. Our paleoseismic observations and map of active traces of the southern Fairweather fault illustrate the complexity of transpressional deformation and seismic potential along one of Earth’s fastest strike-slip plate boundaries.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 3121-3135
Author(s):  
Avith Mendoza-Ponce ◽  
Angel Figueroa-Soto ◽  
Diana Soria-Caballero ◽  
Víctor Hugo Garduño-Monroy

Abstract. The Pátzcuaro–Acambay fault system (PAFS), located in the central part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB), is delimited by an active transtensive deformation area associated with the oblique subduction zone between the Cocos and North American plates, with a convergence speed of 55 mm yr−1 at the latitude of the state of Michoacán, Mexico. Part of the oblique convergence is transferred to this fault system, where the slip rates range from 0.009 to 2.78 mm yr−1. This has caused historic earthquakes in Central Mexico, such as the Acambay quake (Ms=6.9) on 19 November 1912 with surface rupture, and another in Maravatío in 1979 with Ms=5.6. Also, paleoseismic analyses are showing Quaternary movements in some faults, with moderate to large magnitudes. Notably, this zone is seismically active, but lacks a dense local seismic network, and more importantly, its neotectonic movements have received very little attention. The present research encompasses three investigations carried out in the PAFS. First, the estimation of the maximum possible earthquake magnitudes, based on 316 fault lengths mapped on a 15 m digital elevation model, by means of three empirical relationships. In addition, the Hurst exponent Hw and its persistence, estimated for magnitudes Mw (spatial domain) and for 32 slip-rate data (time domain) by the wavelet variance analysis. Finally, the validity of the intrinsic definition of active fault proposed here. The average results for the estimation of the maximum and minimum magnitudes expected for this fault population are 5.5≤Mw≤7. Also, supported by the results of H at the spatial domain, this paper strongly suggests that the PAFS is classified in three different zones (western PAFS, central PAFS, and eastern PAFS) in terms of their roughness (Hw=0.7,Hw=0.5,Hw=0.8 respectively), showing different dynamics in seismotectonic activity and; the time domain, with a strong persistence Hw=0.949, suggests that the periodicities of slip rates are close in time (process with memory). The fractal capacity dimension (Db) is also estimated for the slip-rate series using the box-counting method. Inverse correlation between Db and low slip-rate concentration was observed. The resulting Db=1.86 is related to a lesser concentration of low slip-rates in the PAFS, suggesting that larger faults accommodate the strain more efficiently (length ≥3 km). Thus, in terms of fractal analysis, we can conclude that these 316 faults are seismically active, because they fulfill the intrinsic definition of active faults for the PAFS.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Melnick ◽  
Valentina Maldonado ◽  
Martin Contreras ◽  
Julius Jara-Muñoz ◽  
Joaquín Cortés-Aranda ◽  
...  

<p>Most of the seismic hazard along subduction zones is posed by great tsunamigenic earthquakes associated with the interplate megathrust fault. However, crustal faults are ubiquitous along overriding continental plates, some of which have been triggered during recent megathrust earthquakes. In Chile, the 2010 Maule earthquake (M8.8) triggered a shallow M7 earthquake on the Pichilemu fault, which had not been mapped and was unknown. In fact, M~7 earthquakes have recently occurred along unknown faults in California and New Zealand, emphasizing the need for better and more detailed mapping initiatives. A first step towards a synoptic assessment of seismic hazards posed by continental faults at the national level is mapping at a homogeneous scale to allow for a systematic comparison of faults and fault systems. Here, we present the first map of active and potentially-active faults in Chile at 1:25,000 scale, which includes published studies and newly-identified faults. All the published faults have been re-mapped using LiDAR and TanDEM-X topography, where available. Using different scaling relations, we estimate the seismic potential of all crustal faults in Chile. For specific faults where we have conducted paleoseismic and tectonic geomorphic field studies (e.g., Liquiñe-Ofqui, El Yolki, Mesamavida, and Pichilemu faults) we provide new estimates of slip rate, recurrence interval, and deformation style. We propose a segmentation model of continental faults systems in Chile, which are associated with distinct morphotectonic units and have predominant kinematics and relatively uniform slip rates. Using stress transfer models, we explore the potential feedbacks between upper-plate deformation and the megathrust seismic cycle.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack N. Williams ◽  
Luke N. J. Wedmore ◽  
Åke Fagereng ◽  
Maximilian J. Werner ◽  
Hassan Mdala ◽  
...  

Abstract. Active fault data are commonly used in seismic hazard assessments, but there are challenges in deriving the slip rate, geometry, and frequency of earthquakes along active faults. Herein, we present the open-access geospatial Malawi Seismogenic Source Database (MSSD), which describes the seismogenic properties of faults that have formed during East African rifting in Malawi. We first use empirical observations to geometrically classify active faults into section, fault, and multi-fault seismogenic sources. For sources in the North Basin of Lake Malawi, slip rates can be derived from the vertical offset of a seismic reflector that is estimated to be 75 ka based on dated core. Elsewhere, slip rates are constrained from advancing a ‘systems-based’ approach that partitions geodetically-derived rift extension rates in Malawi between seismogenic sources using a priori constraints on regional strain distribution in magma-poor continental rifts. Slip rates are then combined with source geometry and empirical scaling relationships to estimate earthquake magnitudes and recurrence intervals, and their uncertainty is described from the variability of outcomes from a logic tree used in these calculations. We find that for sources in the Lake Malawi’s North Basin, where slip rates can be derived from both the geodetic data and the offset seismic reflector, the slip rate estimates are within error of each other, although those from the offset reflector are higher. Sources in the MSSD are 5–200 km long, which implies that large magnitude (MW 7–8) earthquakes may occur in Malawi. Low slip rates (0.05–2 mm/yr), however, mean that the frequency of such events will be low (recurrence intervals ~103–104 years). The MSSD represents an important resource for investigating Malawi’s increasing seismic risks and provides a framework for incorporating active fault data into seismic hazard assessment in other tectonically active regions.


2016 ◽  
Vol 153 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 911-925 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. BRANELLEC ◽  
B. NIVIÈRE ◽  
J.-P. CALLOT ◽  
V. REGARD ◽  
J.-C. RINGENBACH

AbstractOn the 30 May 1929, a massive earthquake occurred in the San Rafael area (southern Mendoza province) leading to the destruction of the Villa Atuel and Las Malvinas towns. The region affected by the ground shaking covers a large part of southern South America. Although no surface breaks have been detected on the surface, several authors have pointed out active faults that could be related to the event of 1929. Using satellite imagery and field observations, we investigated two active faults situated on the eastern border of the San Rafael Block (SRB) close to or within the epicentral area. The most prominent faults are the c. 40 km long Las Malvinas and c. 30 km long Cerro Negro reverse faults which are located near the epicentral area. Geological and morphological observations allow us to describe late Pleistocene activity and estimate the long-term slip rates of these faults. Possible ruptures that match our observations and which are compatible with the cartographic length of these faults would account for a seismic moment magnitude of M0 = 2.8×1019 N m and a moment magnitude of MW = 6.9. The morphological signatures of these fault segments and the occurrence of the San Rafael earthquake suggests that the southern Mendoza Province is still currently submitted to shortening.


2020 ◽  
Vol 222 (3) ◽  
pp. 2136-2146
Author(s):  
M Mathey ◽  
A Walpersdorf ◽  
C Sue ◽  
S Baize ◽  
A Deprez

SUMMARY Due to the steady moderate seismicity observed along the Briançon seismic arc, in the south-western French Alps, three temporary GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) surveys took place in 1996, 2006 and 2011, across a ∼50 × 60 km² wide area, to investigate the surface deformation field. The horizontal velocity field computed from these three surveys showed an east–west extension in the network. A fourth campaign was led in 2016, creating a 20 yr observation span, resulting in measurements which reach a sufficient accuracy to assess whether extension found within the Briançon network is localized onto any particular tectonic feature. Several faults in this area are known to be active normal faults. Assessing the localization of the deformation may lead to a better understanding of the active tectonics of the Alpine belt. To address this issue, a robust velocity field was computed from the combination of the different campaign and permanent GNSS data. Strain rate tensors were derived for the first time in this area on a 0.1 × 0.1 deg grid to assess the distribution of the deformation. The regional deformation appears localized in the Briançon area and reaches up to 20 ± 5 nanostrain yr−1 in the centre of the network. The observed velocities were projected on a profile across the network and compared with modelled interseismic deformation to characterize the behaviour of the major active faults known in the study zone. While a two-fault model provides the best fit to the data, a single fault model has only marginally higher residuals, with parameters which are more consistent with the seismotectonics of the region. The localization of the single modelled fault is consistent with the location of the High Durance Fault (HDF). Therefore, we used the known geological location of this structure as a priori information in a block model to compute a fault slip rate at the interface between the two blocks. The velocities on the interface indicate 0.4–0.5 mm yr−1 of extension, and therefore strain accumulates along the HDF throughout the seismic cycle. The geodetically derived fault slip rate is converted into an equivalent seismic moment release rate, which is consistent within its uncertainty bounds with the known historical and instrumental seismicity of the Briançon area.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Yang Hsiao ◽  
Wu-Lung Chang

<p>Due to the rapid convergence of Philippine Sea Plate toward the continental margin of Eurasian Plate, the southern Taiwan has a high number of 8 active faults published by the Taiwan Central Geological Survey. We inverted the Global Positioning System (GPS) velocity measurements to investigate the slip rates on these faults and how these values could change with time, especially before and after large seismic events. In this study we employed TDEFNODE to first evaluate two fault-slip models before and after the 2016 Mw 6.4 Meinong earthquake within the periods of 2002 to 2016 (model 1) and 2016 to 2018 (model 2). Our results from these two models show that some long-term average fault slip rates were changed with time, such as the Zuozhen, Chishan and Hengchun faults that have values 30.2, 27.0 and 29.7 mm/yr in 2002-2016 and 15.2, 6.6 and 14.2 mm/yr in 2016-2018, respectively. In addition, we focused on the Mw 7.0 and Mw 6.9 2006 Hengchun doublet earthquakes by integrating the Permanent Scattered Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PS-InSAR) data collected by ALOS from 2007 to 2011 with the GPS velocities for a joint inversion for fault slip model (model 3). The results show that the average long-term slip rates of the Chishan and Hengchun faults are 12.5 and 16.8 mm/yr, respectively, which are significantly lower than the rates of 2002-2016 (model 1). More fault models with different time spans are on the way to affirm these temporal rate changes and explore their implications on earthquake hazard analysis.</p>


2008 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Liu ◽  
M. P. F. Sutcliffe ◽  
W. R. Graham

Abstract In an effort to understand the dynamic hub forces on road vehicles, an advanced free-rolling tire-model is being developed in which the tread blocks and tire belt are modeled separately. This paper presents the interim results for the tread block modeling. The finite element code ABAQUS/Explicit is used to predict the contact forces on the tread blocks based on a linear viscoelastic material model. Special attention is paid to investigating the forces on the tread blocks during the impact and release motions. A pressure and slip-rate-dependent frictional law is applied in the analysis. A simplified numerical model is also proposed where the tread blocks are discretized into linear viscoelastic spring elements. The results from both models are validated via experiments in a high-speed rolling test rig and found to be in good agreement.


Coatings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 538
Author(s):  
Malal Kane ◽  
Ebrahim Riahi ◽  
Minh-Tan Do

This paper deals with the modeling of rolling resistance and the analysis of the effect of pavement texture. The Rolling Resistance Model (RRM) is a simplification of the no-slip rate of the Dynamic Friction Model (DFM) based on modeling tire/road contact and is intended to predict the tire/pavement friction at all slip rates. The experimental validation of this approach was performed using a machine simulating tires rolling on road surfaces. The tested pavement surfaces have a wide range of textures from smooth to macro-micro-rough, thus covering all the surfaces likely to be encountered on the roads. A comparison between the experimental rolling resistances and those predicted by the model shows a good correlation, with an R2 exceeding 0.8. A good correlation between the MPD (mean profile depth) of the surfaces and the rolling resistance is also shown. It is also noticed that a random distribution and pointed shape of the summits may also be an inconvenience concerning rolling resistance, thus leading to the conclusion that beyond the macrotexture, the positivity of the texture should also be taken into account. A possible simplification of the model by neglecting the damping part in the constitutive model of the rubber is also noted.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (13) ◽  
pp. eaaz5691
Author(s):  
Kimberly Blisniuk ◽  
Katherine Scharer ◽  
Warren D. Sharp ◽  
Roland Burgmann ◽  
Colin Amos ◽  
...  

The San Andreas fault has the highest calculated time-dependent probability for large-magnitude earthquakes in southern California. However, where the fault is multistranded east of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, it has been uncertain which strand has the fastest slip rate and, therefore, which has the highest probability of a destructive earthquake. Reconstruction of offset Pleistocene-Holocene landforms dated using the uranium-thorium soil carbonate and beryllium-10 surface exposure techniques indicates slip rates of 24.1 ± 3 millimeter per year for the San Andreas fault, with 21.6 ± 2 and 2.5 ± 1 millimeters per year for the Mission Creek and Banning strands, respectively. These data establish the Mission Creek strand as the primary fault bounding the Pacific and North American plates at this latitude and imply that 6 to 9 meters of elastic strain has accumulated along the fault since the most recent surface-rupturing earthquake, highlighting the potential for large earthquakes along this strand.


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