Dynamic Rupture in a 3-D Particle-based Simulation of a Rough Planar Fault |
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Authors: | Steefen Abe Shane Latham Peter Mora |
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Institution: | (1) ACcESS MNRF, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia;(2) Earth Systems Computational Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia;(3) Present address: School of Geological Sciences, University College Dublin, Ireland |
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Abstract: | An appreciation of the physical mechanisms which cause observed seismicity complexity is fundamental to the understanding
of the temporal behaviour of faults and single slip events. Numerical simulation of fault slip can provide insights into fault
processes by allowing exploration of parameter spaces which influence microscopic and macroscopic physics of processes which
may lead towards an answer to those questions. Particle-based models such as the Lattice Solid Model have been used previously
for the simulation of stick-slip dynamics of faults, although mainly in two dimensions. Recent increases in the power of computers
and the ability to use the power of parallel computer systems have made it possible to extend particle-based fault simulations
to three dimensions. In this paper a particle-based numerical model of a rough planar fault embedded between two elastic blocks
in three dimensions is presented. A very simple friction law without any rate dependency and no spatial heterogeneity in the
intrinsic coefficient of friction is used in the model. To simulate earthquake dynamics the model is sheared in a direction
parallel to the fault plane with a constant velocity at the driving edges. Spontaneous slip occurs on the fault when the shear
stress is large enough to overcome the frictional forces on the fault. Slip events with a wide range of event sizes are observed.
Investigation of the temporal evolution and spatial distribution of slip during each event shows a high degree of variability
between the events. In some of the larger events highly complex slip patterns are observed. |
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Keywords: | Lattice Solid Model fault simulation slip complexity |
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