How cementation and fluid flow influence slip behavior at the subduction interface

Much of the complexity of subduction-zone earthquake size and temporal patterns owes to linkages among fluid flow, stress, and fault healing. To investigate these linkages, we introduce a novel numerical model that tracks cementation and fluid flow within the framework of an earthquake simulator. In the model, there are interseismic increases in cohesion across the plate boundary and decreases in porosity and permeability caused by cementation along the interface. Seismogenic slip is sensitive to the effective stress and therefore fluid pressure; in turn, slip events increase porosity by fracturing. The model therefore accounts for positive and negative feedbacks that modify slip behavior through the seismic cycle. The model produces temporal clustering of earthquakes in the seismic record of the Aleutian margin, which has well-documented along-strike variations in locking characteristics. Model results illustrate how physical, geochemical, and hydraulic linkages can affect natural slip behavior. Specifically, coseismic drops in fluid pressure steal energy from large ruptures, suppress slip, moderate the magnitudes of large earthquakes, and lead to aftershocks.

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Work Title How cementation and fluid flow influence slip behavior at the subduction interface
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Open Access
Creators
  1. J. N. Hooker
  2. D. M. Fisher
Keyword
  1. Aleutian Trench
  2. brittle deformation
  3. cementation
  4. deformation
  5. diagenesis
  6. earthquakes
  7. feedback
  8. fluid flow
  9. North Pacific
  10. numerical models
  11. Pacific Ocean
  12. seismicity
  13. statical analysis
  14. stress
  15. subduction zones
  16. time series analysis
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved)
Work Type Article
Publisher
  1. Geology
Publication Date May 19, 2021
Publisher Identifier (DOI)
  1. https://doi.org/10.1130/G48741.1
Deposited May 28, 2024

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  • Created
  • Added Hooker_and_Fisher__2021.pdf
  • Added Creator J. N. Hooker
  • Added Creator D. M. Fisher
  • Published
  • Updated
  • Updated Publication Date Show Changes
    Publication Date
    • 2021-09-01
    • 2021-05-19
  • Updated Description Show Changes
    Description
    • <p>Much of the complexity of subduction-zone earthquake size and temporal patterns owes to linkages among fluid flow, stress, and fault healing. To investigate these linkages, we introduce a novel numerical model that tracks cementation and fluid flow within the framework of an earthquake simulator. In the model, there are interseismic increases in cohesion across the plate boundary and decreases in porosity and permeability caused by cementation along the interface. Seismogenic slip is sensitive to the effective stress and therefore fluid pressure; in turn, slip events increase porosity by fracturing. The model therefore accounts for positive and negative feedbacks that modify slip behavior through the seismic cycle. The model produces temporal clustering of earthquakes in the seismic record of the Aleutian margin, which has well-documented along-strike variations in locking characteristics. Model results illustrate how physical, geochemical, and hydraulic linkages can affect natural slip behavior.</p>
    • <p>Much of the complexity of subduction-zone earthquake size and temporal patterns owes to linkages among fluid flow, stress, and fault healing. To investigate these linkages, we introduce a novel numerical model that tracks cementation and fluid flow within the framework of an earthquake simulator. In the model, there are interseismic increases in cohesion across the plate boundary and decreases in porosity and permeability caused by cementation along the interface. Seismogenic slip is sensitive to the effective stress and therefore fluid pressure; in turn, slip events increase porosity by fracturing. The model therefore accounts for positive and negative feedbacks that modify slip behavior through the seismic cycle. The model produces temporal clustering of earthquakes in the seismic record of the Aleutian margin, which has well-documented along-strike variations in locking characteristics. Model results illustrate how physical, geochemical, and hydraulic linkages can affect natural slip behavior. Specifically, coseismic drops in fluid pressure steal energy from large ruptures, suppress slip, moderate the magnitudes of large earthquakes, and lead to aftershocks.</p>
  • Updated Keyword Show Changes
    Keyword
    • Aleutian Trench, brittle deformation, cementation, deformation, diagenesis, earthquakes, feedback, fluid flow, North Pacific, numerical models, Pacific Ocean, seismicity, statical analysis, stress, subduction zones, time series analysis