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Segmentation of Shallow Slow Slip Events at the Hikurangi Subduction Zone Explained by Along-Strike Changes in Fault
Andrea Perez-Silva1, Yoshihiro Kaneko2, Martha Savage1
1School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences Victoria University of Wellington Wellington New Zealand.
Journal of Geophysical Research. Solid Earth
|July 21, 2022
Summary
Shallow slow slip events (SSEs) along New Zealand's Hikurangi subduction zone exhibit segmented recurrence intervals. Realistic non-planar fault models, not planar ones, accurately capture these patterns, influenced by plate convergence and source region width.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Tectonics
- Seismology
Background:
- Geodetic and seismic data reveal diverse slow earthquakes at the Hikurangi subduction zone.
- Shallow slow slip events (SSEs) (<15 km depth) display distinct along-strike segmentation in recurrence intervals.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate factors controlling the segmentation of shallow SSE recurrence intervals.
- Understand the influence of fault geometry and plate convergence on SSE behavior.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations of SSEs using rate-and-state friction laws.
- Comparison of models with planar and non-planar fault geometries.
- Incorporation of laboratory-derived friction parameters.
Main Results:
- A non-planar fault geometry model successfully replicates observed SSE characteristics, including magnitude, duration, and recurrence interval segmentation.
- Modeled SSEs show longer recurrence intervals in the south (Cape Turnagain) due to lower convergence rates and wider source regions.
- Planar fault models fail to reproduce the observed segmentation patterns.
Conclusions:
- Realistic non-planar fault geometry is crucial for accurately modeling shallow SSEs at the Hikurangi subduction zone.
- Along-strike variations in plate convergence rate and SSE source region width drive recurrence interval segmentation.
- The study highlights the importance of detailed plate interface geometry in understanding earthquake behavior.
