Analysis of deep focal mechanisms and revealing of possible large earthquake zones in the Kuril-Okhotsk region

The relationship between shallow and deep seismicity is investigated. The 2006 and 2007 large earthquakes of M = 8.3 and 8.1, which occurred off the southeast coast of Simushir, Kuril Islands, have been preceded by noticeable deep seismicity in the subducting slab. The methods and algorithms of focal mechanism analysis are developed for revealing possible large earthquake zones in the Kuril-Okhotsk region. Deep-focus earthquakes occurring in distant regions of the subducting slab with significant probability have triggered the large shallow earthquakes along the deep sea trench.