Spatiotemporal Variations of the Frequency-Magnitude Distribution in the 2019 M_w 7.1 Ridgecrest, California,...

Area of Science:

• Geophysics
• Statistical Physics
• Seismology

Background:

• Ridgecrest, California has experienced significant seismic activity over 40 years, including a Mw 7.1 earthquake in July 2019.
• The Mw 7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake was preceded by a Mw 6.4 foreshock and followed by thousands of aftershocks.

Purpose of the Study:

• Analyze spatiotemporal variations in the frequency-magnitude distribution in Ridgecrest.
• Investigate the relationship between the q parameter and seismic activity dynamics using the fragment-asperity model.
• Examine q value distributions along the fault zone before and after the Mw 7.1 earthquake.

Main Methods:

• Applied the fragment-asperity model from non-extensive statistical physics (NESP).
• Analyzed seismic data from 1981-2022, including specific time windows and monthly intervals post-earthquake.
• Estimated the q parameter to understand its correlation with seismic activity evolution.

Main Results:

• Observed significant increases in the q parameter correlating with large-magnitude earthquakes.
• Demonstrated the utility of the fragment-asperity model for complex dynamic systems.
• Mapped spatiotemporal q value distributions along the activated fault zone.

Conclusions:

• The q parameter's increase suggests a transition to an out-of-equilibrium phase preceding seismic energy release.
• Non-extensive statistical physics provides valuable insights into earthquake dynamics.
• The study highlights the predictive potential of analyzing frequency-magnitude distribution variations.