How frictional ruptures and earthquakes nucleate and evolve

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Geophysics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Frictional motion is driven by ruptures similar to shear cracks.
• These ruptures are analogous to earthquakes in natural faults.
• The nucleation process of these rapid ruptures remains poorly understood in fracture mechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fully describe the nucleation process of frictional ruptures.
• To extend fracture mechanics by incorporating finite interface widths.
• To provide a new framework for understanding earthquake nucleation dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Experimental investigation of frictional interfaces.
• Theoretical modeling extending fracture mechanics.
• Incorporation of finite interface widths into theoretical models.

Main Results:

• Slow, steady creep occurs at a defined stress threshold.
• A topological transition links slow creep to rapid fracture.
• Demonstration of slow aseismic rupture preceding seismic rupture.

Conclusions:

• Finite interface widths are crucial for understanding rupture nucleation.
• Slow creep is a necessary precursor to rapid seismic rupture.
• The developed theory offers insights into earthquake nucleation processes.