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Seismology: dynamic triggering of earthquakes
1US Geological Survey, Suite 2, Memphis, Tennessee 38152, USA. gomberg@usgs.gov
Seismic waves from large earthquakes can trigger smaller earthquakes miles away. This study reveals that the amplitude of dynamic deformations, not frequency, is key to triggering subsequent seismic events, regardless of distance.
Area of Science:
- Seismology
- Earthquake physics
- Geophysics
Background:
- Earthquakes trigger smaller aftershocks, typically near the main fault rupture.
- The mechanisms and distance-scaling of earthquake triggering by seismic waves are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the scaling of dynamic deformations with distance and magnitude of triggering earthquakes.
- To determine the conditions under which seismic waves can induce further earthquakes at various distances.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of dynamic deformations (stresses and strains) associated with seismic waves.
- Comparison of triggering requirements with laboratory-induced dynamic elastic nonlinear behavior.
Main Results:
- Dynamic deformations can trigger earthquakes at any distance if their amplitude exceeds several microstrain.
- The frequency content of seismic waves does not significantly affect their ability to trigger earthquakes.
- Triggering requirements align with those observed in laboratory experiments for dynamic elastic nonlinear behavior.
Conclusions:
- The amplitude of seismic wave-induced dynamic deformations is the primary factor in triggering earthquakes, irrespective of distance.
- The physics governing remote earthquake triggering appears consistent with laboratory observations of dynamic elastic nonlinear behavior.
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