Unraveling Megathrust Seismicity

Abstract

The majority of global seismicity originates at subduction zones, either within the converging plates or along the plate interface. In particular, events with Mw ≥ 8.0 usually occur at the subduction megathrust, which is the frictional interface between subducting and overriding plates. Consequently, seismicity at subduction megathrusts is responsible for most of the seismic energy globally released during the last century [Pacheco and Sykes, 1992]. What's more, during the last decade giant megathrust earthquakes occurred at an increased rate with respect to the last century [Ammon et al., 2010], often revealing unexpected characteristics and resulting in catastrophic effects. Determining the controlling factors of these events would have fundamental implications for earthquake and tsunami hazard assessment.

Controls of seismogenic zone width and subduction velocity on interplate seismicity: Insights from analog and numerical models

“…To overcome these limitations, we use complementary analog and numerical models to investigate how W and V s control the seismic behavior of subduction interplate events. Both analog and numerical models have recently become a robust tool of investigation [e.g., Corbi et al, 2013;van Dinther et al, 2013avan Dinther et al, , 2013bvan Dinther et al, , 2014Funiciello et al, 2013;Rosenau et al, 2009;Herrendörfer et al, 2015]. Their main advantage is the capability to simulate tens to hundreds of seismic cycles per model.…”

On the Origin of Mega-thrust Earthquakes

“…Understanding the total deformation cycle in subduction zones and the processes associated with it requires multidisciplinary approaches including a variety of observational data combined with analog and numerical modelling (Funiciello et al 2013). In recent years indeed a wealth of observational data became available.…”