Features of Seismicity in the Northeastern China Region and Their Relation to the Subduction of the Japan Sea Plate

INTRODUCTIONThewestPacificplatedivestowardsthewest,formingthesubductionzoneintheJapanSea ,hencecalledtheJapanSeasubductionzone .ItsfrontendgoesdeepintoWangqingandMulinginNortheastChina .Thefocusdepthisabout 540～ 590km .Withthedipangleofabout 2 9°andthwidthof 12 87km ,theJapanseasubductionzoneistheonewiththesmallestdipangleandthelargestwidthintheworld .ThedeepearthquakestherecorrespondtotheoccurrenceofshallowonesandhaveeffectstoacertainextentontheshallowstrongearthquakeinnortheastAs…     

Recognition of a Locked State in Plate Subduction from Microearthquake Seismicity

—A tectonic state of a locked subduction is considered to be a possible source of a future interplate earthquake. Discriminating an actually locked state to verify its extent is therefore essential in constructing an accurate prospect against the forthcoming earthquake. Micorearthquake seismicity is an effective tool for such an analysis because it is considered to be a faithful indicator of the stress state, and is expected to exhibit a characteristic pattern in the area where the locked state in the subduction appears with a certain stress concentration. Focusing on the microearthquake seismicity around the Tokai district in central Japan, where a large interplate earthquake is feared to occur, we tried to identify such an area of locked subduction on the Philippine Sea plate, possibly related to the future earthquake. We investigated the microearthquake seismicity from various perspectives. First, the hypocenter distribution was analyzed to identify the extent of the locked area. The characteristic profile of the distribution was presumed to represent a stress concentrated area induced from the mechanical contact between both plates. The second approach is to interpret stress patterns reflected in focal mechanisms. The locked state was recognized and verified by a comparison of the P-axis distribution pattern with that expected from a model imaging a partially locked subduction. The third approach is to monitor the temporal change of the seismic wave spectrum. Analyzing predominant frequencies of P and S waves and monitoring their changes for a period of 10 years, we found a trend of gradual increase common to both waves. This means an increase of stress drop in microfracturings, and in its turn implies accumulation of stress around the focus area. The rate of the stress change converted from the frequency change was compared with the result derived from a numerical simulation. The simulation, performed on the basis of a constitutive friction law for a stick sliding on the plate interface, computed a changing rate of the maximum shear stress around the locked zone and showed its spatial variation along the subduction axis. Thus the simulated result indicated a certain compatibility with the observed one. Although ambiguities and uncertainties still exist in the study, all the results derived here seem to indicate an identical conclusion that the plate subduction is actually locked in this region at present.     

Regularities in the Spatiotemporal Variations of Deformation Processes in the Region of Japan Subduction Zone

Izvestiya, Physics of the Solid Earth - The approach is proposed for modeling deformations in the subduction zones from the surface displacement data recorded by the methods of satellite geodesy....     

The Role of History-Dependent Rheology in Plate Boundary Lubrication for Generating One-Sided Subduction

We have developed a two-dimensional dynamical model of asymmetric subduction integrated into the mantle convection without imposed plate velocities. In this model we consider that weak oceanic crust behaves as a lubricator on the thrust fault at the plate boundary. We introduce a rheological layer that depends on the history of the past fracture to simulate the effect of the oceanic crust. The thickness of this layer is set to be as thin as the Earth's oceanic crust. To treat 1-kilometer scale structure at the plate boundary in the 1000-kilometer scale mantle convection calculation, we introduce a new numerical method to solve the hydrodynamic equations using a couple of uniform and nonuniform grids of control volumes. Using our developed models, we have systematically investigated effects of basic rheological parameters that determine the deformation strength of the lithosphere and the oceanic crust on the development of the subducted slab, with a focus on the plate motion controlling mechanism. In our model the plate subduction is produced when the friction coefficient (0.004–0.008) of the modeled oceanic crust and the maximum strength (400 MPa) of the lithosphere are in plausible range inferred from the observations on the plate driving forces and the plate deformation, and the rheology experiments. In this range of the plate strength, yielding induces the plate bending. In this case the speed of plate motion is controlled more by viscosity layering of the underlying mantle than by the plate strength. To examine the setting of the overriding plate, we also consider the two end-member cases in which the overriding plate is fixed or freely-movable. In the case of the freely-movable overriding plate, the trench motion considerably changes the dip angle of the deep slab. Especially in the case with a shallow-angle plate boundary, retrograde slab motion occurs to generate a shallow-angle deep slab.     

Physics-Based 3-D Simulation for Earthquake Generation Cycles at Plate Interfaces in Subduction Zones

The generation of interplate earthquakes can be regarded as a process of tectonic stress accumulation and release, driven by relative plate motion. We completed a physics-based simulation system for earthquake generation cycles at plate interfaces in the Japan region, where the Pacific plate is descending beneath the North American and Philippine Sea plates, and the Philippine Sea plate is descending beneath the North American and Eurasian plates. The system is composed of a quasi-static tectonic loading model and a dynamic rupture propagation model, developed on a realistic 3-D plate interface model. The driving force of the system is relative plate motion. In the quasi-static tectonic loading model, mechanical interaction at plate interfaces is rationally represented by the increase of tangential displacement discontinuity (fault slip) across them on the basis of dislocation theory for an elastic surface layer overlying Maxwell-type viscoelastic half-space. In the dynamic rupture propagation model, stress changes due to fault slip motion on non-planar plate interfaces are evaluated with the boundary integral equation method. The progress of seismic (dynamic) or aseismic (quasi-static) fault slip on plate interfaces is governed by a slip- and time-dependent fault constitutive law. As an example, we numerically simulated earthquake generation cycles at the source region of the 1968 Tokachi-oki earthquake on the North American-Pacific plate interface. From the numerical simulation, we can see that postseismic stress relaxation in the asthenosphere accelerates stress accumulation in the source region. When the stress state of the source region is close to a critical level, dynamic rupture is rapidly accelerated and develops over the whole source region. When the stress state is much lower than the critical level, the rupture is not accelerated. This means that the stress state realized by interseismic tectonic loading essentially controls the subsequent dynamic rupture process.     

Rupture Process of the 1995 Antofagasta Subduction Earthquake (Mw = 8.1)

—A finite-source rupture model of the July 30, 1995, M _w = 8.1 Antofagasta (Northern Chile) subduction earthquake is developed using body and surface waves that span periods from 20 to 290s. A long-period (150–290s) surface-wave spectral inversion technique is applied to estimate the average finite-fault source properties. Deconvolutions of broadband body waves using theoretical Green’s functions, and deconvolutions of broadband fundamental mode surface waves using empirical Green’s functions provided by a large aftershock, yield effective source time functions containing periods from 20 to 200s for many directivity parameters. The source time functions are used in an inverse radon transform to image a one-dimensional spatial model of the moment rate history. The event produced a predominantly unilateral southward rupture, yielding strong directivity effects on all seismic waves with periods less than a few hundred seconds. The aftershock information, spectral analysis, and moment rate distribution indicate a rupture length of 180–200km, with the largest slip concentrated in the first 120km, a rupture azimuth of 205°± 10° along the Chilean coastline, and a rupture duration of 60–68s with a corresponding average rupture velocity of 3.0–3.2km/s. The overall rupture character is quite smooth, accentuating the directivity effects and reducing the shaking intensity, however there are three regions with enhanced moment rate distributed along the rupture zone near the epicenter, 50 to 80km south of the epicenter, and 110 to 140km south of the epicenter.     

马尼拉海沟俯冲带板缘地震特征及衰减关系研究

俯冲带通常位于陆地板块与海洋板块或者海洋板块之间的交界处,地质构造复杂,地震活动频繁.在南海海域,马尼拉海沟俯冲带对中国海洋战略及近海重大工程的实施位置至关重要.在缺少实际地震数据的前提下,为分析马尼拉海沟俯冲带地震动及其衰减关系特征,通过采用随机有限断层法模拟该俯冲带地震动,分析地震动加速度时程及反应谱特点,同时分别...     

全球主要俯冲带处板块运动与地震各向异性及应力场的相关性讨论

在全球板块的很多地方,包括俯冲带、大洋中脊、甚至大陆板块的内部等,地震各向异性都与板块绝对运动图像存在一定的相关性,或者与板内应力场的优势取向一致。本文统计分析了全球9个包含主要俯冲带的板块边界内板块运动与地震各向异性及应力场的相关性,结果表明,板块的绝对或相对运动控制着板块边界的地震各向异性和应力场特征,尤其是板块的相对运动,在板块边界带处的影响十分明显;从计算结果还可以看出,板块的相对运动方向与地震各向异性及应力场的相关性要好于板块绝对运动。在包含俯冲带的板块边界处,由于俯冲机理的复杂性和控制因素的多样性,使得俯冲带处两者的相关性较为复杂,不同深度来源的各向异性表现出不同特征,且应力状态受多种因素的控制。     

太平洋板块俯冲对中国东北深浅震影响机理的数值模拟

本文采用与深度有关的不同分层结构模型,并考虑太平洋板块俯冲角度差异等特征,建立太平洋板块向中国东北地区俯冲的2D纵向静力学模型.以太平洋板片俯冲速度为约束条件,通过变化俯冲板块的俯冲角度,数值模拟太平洋板块向中国东北的俯冲过程,探讨太平洋板块俯冲作用对于我国东北深浅震的影响,得到不同俯冲角度模型的深浅部应力场分布,揭示区域构造应力场的总体特征和断裂带局部特性,并讨论了活动断裂带以及邻近区域对东北地区深浅部构造应力场的响应.结果表明,太平洋板块俯冲角度的变化对于中国东北地区深浅震的地震活动格局具有重要影响,断裂带构造环境是浅源地震孕育的基本条件.     

2011年缅甸7.2级地震及震后云南强震趋势分析

系统收集了缅甸7.2级地震前后地震学基础资料,对缅甸地震地震地质、震源机制、烈度分布、发震构造、区域应力场、震源参数、地震灾害及地震序列时空分布进行详细分析,尤其对人们较为关切的缅甸地震后云南的强震形势进行了详细分析讨论,得到的认识对今后地震预测预报工作具有较大现实意义.     

Combined Regional Gravity Model of the Andean Convergent Subduction Zone and Its Application to Crustal Density Modelling in Active Plate Margins

The Central Andean subduction system is one of the most active geological structures on Earth. Although there have been a few previous studies, the structure and dynamics of the system are still not well understood. In the present study, we determine a combined regional gravity model of the Andean convergent subduction region for constraining lithospheric models. After a thorough validation and cleaning of the terrestrial gravity and height databases, the method of Least Squares Collocation was applied to consistently combine terrestrial and satellite gravity data, putting much emphasis on the stochastic modelling of the individual data components. As a result, we computed the first high-resolution regional gravity model of the study region that includes GOCE satellite gravity information. The inclusion of GOCE is an essential distinction from the independent global gravity model EGM2008. Validation against EGM2008 reveals that our regional solution is very consistent in regions where terrestrial gravity data are available, but shows systematic differences in areas with terrestrial data gaps. Artefacts in the EGM2008 of up to 150 mGal could be identified. The new combined regional model benefits from the very homogeneous error characteristics and accuracy of GOCE gravity data in the long-to-medium wavelengths down to 80–100 km. Reliable density modelling became possible also in the region of Central Andes, which lacks terrestrial gravity data. Finally, density models were adapted to fit the new regional gravity field solution. The results clearly demonstrate the capabilities of GOCE to better constrain lithospheric models.     

Statistical Analysis of Triggered Seismicity in the Kresna Region of SW Bulgaria (1904) and the Umbria-Marche Region of Central Italy (1997)

A version of the restricted trigger model is used to analyse the temporal behaviour of some aftershock sequences. The conditional intensity function of the model is similar to that of the Epidemic Type Aftershock-Sequence (ETAS) model with the restriction that only the aftershocks of magnitude bigger than or equal to some threshold M_tr can trigger secondary events. For this reason we have named the model Restricted Epidemic Type Aftershock-Sequence (RETAS) model. Varying the triggering threshold we examine the variants of the RETAS model which range from the Modified Omori Formula (MOF) to the ETAS model, including such models as limit cases. In this way we have a quite large set of models in which to seek the model that fits best an aftershock sequence bringing out the specific features of the seismotectonic region struck by the crisis. We have applied the RETAS model to the analysis of two aftershock sequences: The first is formed by the events which followed the strong earthquake of M=7.8 which occurred in Kresna, SW Bulgaria, in 1904. The second includes three main shocks and a large swarm of minor shocks following the quake of 26 September 1997 in the Umbria-Marche region, central Italy. The MOF provides the best fit to the sequence in Kresna; that leads to the thought that just the stress field changes due to the very strong main shock generate the whole sequence. On the contrary, the complex behaviour of the seismic sequence in Umbria-Marche appears when we make the threshold magnitude vary. Setting the cut-off magnitude M₀=2.9 the best fit is provided by the ETAS model, while if we raise the threshold magnitude M₀=3.6 and set M_tr=5.0, the RETAS model turns out to be the best model. In fact, observing the time distribution of this reduced data set, it appears more evident that especially the strong secondary events are followed by a cluster of aftershocks.     

Hydrological regime,morphological features and natural territorial complexes of the Irrawaddy River Delta (Myanmar)

Hydrological and morphological features of the multiple-branched tidal delta of the Irrawaddy River are discussed. Close attention is given to the impact of the interaction of seasonal variations of the river flow and tides on the delta regime. The results of analysis of the deltaic natural complexes using space photographs are presented. The issues of rational use and conservation of the natural resources of the delta are studied.     

3-D Simulation of Steady Plate Subduction with Tectonic Erosion: Current Crustal Uplift and Free-Air Gravity Anomaly in Northeast Japan

Free-air gravity anomaly in plate subduction zones, characterized by island-arc high, trench low and outer-rise gentle high, reflects the cumulative effects of long-term crustal uplift and subsidence. In northeast Japan the island-arc high of observed free-air gravity anomaly takes its maximum about the eastern coastline. On the other hand, the current vertical crustal motion estimated from geological and geomorphological observations shows a gentle uplift in the land area and steep subsidence in the sea area with the neutral point near the eastern coastline. Such a discrepancy in spatial patterns between the free-air gravity anomaly and current vertical crustal motion can be ascribed to a change in the mode of crustal uplift and subsidence associated with the initiation of tectonic erosion at the North American-Pacific plate interface. We developed a realistic 3-D simulation model of steady plate subduction with tectonic erosion in northeast Japan on the basis of elastic/viscoelastic dislocation theory. Through numerical simulations with this model we found that simple steady plate subduction brings about the crustal uplift characterized by island-arc high with its maximum about the eastern coastline, while steady plate subduction with tectonic erosion, which is represented by the landward retreat of the plate interface, brings about gentle uplift in the land area and steep subsidence in the sea area with the neutral point near the eastern coastline. Therefore, if we suppose that tectonic erosion started 3–4 million years ago after the long duration of simple steady plate subduction, we can consistently explain both patterns of free-air gravity anomaly and current crustal uplift in northeast Japan.     

大别-苏鲁深俯冲研究中的一些问题

目前板块内部的大陆深俯冲及其动力学成为国际地球科学研究的热点.大别、苏鲁地区的超高压变质带在世界上是规模最大的,因此,吸引了国内外科学家的注目.已进行的大量研究获得了一系列研究成果,提出了诸多的成因解释,但仍有一些关键问题需要深入研究和解决.