Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Marion Baques, Louis De Barros, Maxime Godano, Clara Duverger, Herve Jomard
Summary: The Ubaye Region in the French Western Alps is one of the most seismically active regions in France, experiencing mainshock-aftershock sequences, seismic swarms, and complex sequences. In this study, a regional catalogue of existing focal mechanisms is compiled, and 100 new calculated focal mechanisms of aftershocks following a mainshock in 2014 are added. The results suggest that fluid pressure is a common triggering mechanism for the seismic activity in the region.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
S. Baize, S. Amoroso, N. Belic, L. Benedetti, P. Boncio, M. Budic, F. R. Cinti, M. Henriquet, P. Jamsek Rupnik, B. Kordic, S. Markusic, L. Minarelli, D. Pantosti, S. Pucci, M. Spelic, A. Testa, S. Valkaniotis, M. Vukovski, J. Atanackov, J. Barbaca, M. Bavec, R. Brajkovic, V Brcic, M. Caciagli, B. Celarc, R. Civico, P. M. De Martini, R. Filjak, F. Iezzi, A. Moulin, T. Kurecic, M. Metois, R. Nappi, A. Novak, M. Novak, B. Pace, D. Palenik, T. Ricci
Summary: On 29 December 2020, a shallow earthquake of magnitude M-w 6.4 struck northern Croatia, causing significant coseismic environmental effects such as surface deformation, liquefaction, and slope failures. The surface rupture, named the Petrinja-Pokupsko Fault, is discontinuous and shows evidence of slip on a right lateral fault. Liquefaction extends over an area of nearly 600 km(2) around the epicentre. The environmental effects of the earthquake are consistent with the usual scaling relationships.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Yijun Zhang, Han Bao, Yosuke Aoki, Akinori Hashima
Summary: We constructed an integrated rupture model of the 2021 M-w 7.1 Fukushima earthquake and analyzed its kinematic rupture, slip distribution, and stress changes. The study found that the rupture propagated along both the strike and dip directions, with a large-slip area located southwest to the hypocentre. The temporal change of stress suggested that the occurrence of the Fukushima earthquake may have been promoted by the post-seismic deformation due to the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Aisling O'Kane, Alex Copley
Summary: Rapid urban growth has increased population density in foreland basins, leading to higher earthquake risk. Seismic wave propagation in these areas is mainly controlled by source depth and basin structure. Matching basin depth with dominant wavelength results in maximum ground motion.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Yi Ren, Vaclav Vavrycuk, Li Zhao
Summary: This study presents the shear-tensile-compressive (STC) model as an alternative to the moment tensor (MT) model for earthquake sources, and validates its accuracy and robustness in source mechanism inversion through synthetic experiments and real data analysis.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Carlos Herrera, Francisco Pasten-Araya, Leoncio Cabrera, Bertrand Potin, Efrain Rivera, Sergio Ruiz, Raul Madariaga, Eduardo Contreras-Reyes
Summary: This study investigates the 2020 Calama earthquake sequence and compares it with other significant earthquakes in the area. The results show that the Calama main shock has similar stress drop and dynamic rupture parameters as the nearby Michilla and Jujuy earthquakes. The Calama sequence occurred in the upper lithospheric mantle with lower aftershock productivity and a less hydrated environment.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
M. Wimez, W. B. Frank
Summary: The study proposes a recursive matched-filter approach for detecting earthquake swarms. By selecting new template events for matched-filter search, the spatial coverage of the template set can be progressively extended. This method is suitable for systematically exploring earthquake swarms in both volcanic and tectonic contexts.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Xiaohang Wang, Caijun Xu, Zhuohui Xiao, Ying Peng
Summary: This study investigates the earthquake sequence in Lombok, Indonesia using satellite radar images and finds that the surface deformation is mainly uplift without surface rupture. It suggests that the Lombok sequence may have ruptured the Flores thrust and the magmatic plumbing systems of Rinjani volcano played a critical role in the fault rupture. Additionally, it identifies a seismic gap in the northern part of the Sumbawa region.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Xiaodong Yang, Qiang Qiu, Wanpeng Feng, Jian Lin, Jinchang Zhang, Zhiyuan Zhou, Fan Zhang
Summary: The Makran subduction zone is an active area with uncertain earthquake and tsunami characteristics. By studying the characteristics of a recent earthquake in 2017, we have identified some key features and suggested the possibility of future earthquakes.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Min Wang, Fan Wang, Xin Jiang, Jianbo Tian, Yu Li, Jiaobao Sun, Zheng-Kang Shen
Summary: This study discusses the characteristics and potential earthquake risks associated with the M(w)7.4 Maduo earthquake that occurred in the eastern Tibetan region in 2021.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Haichao Ma, Risheng Chu, Minhan Sheng, Zigen Wei, Xiangfang Zeng, Wei Wang
Summary: This study analyzed seismic data from Urumqi Glacier No. 1, Tianshan, China, and found that icequakes provide important information about stress fields and water flow pathways in glaciers. Using a multidimensional autoregressive maximum-likelihood algorithm and template-matching method, 41895 icequakes were detected and analyzed. The icequakes showed clear seasonal and diurnal variations, possibly related to summer precipitation and thermal contraction in winter.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Naofumi Aso, Nozomi Terai
Summary: Deep long-period earthquakes (DLPs) are important seismic events in the Earth's lower crust that provide valuable information about Earth's evolution. By modifying the epidemic-type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model, we were able to explain the swarm-like nature of DLPs in eastern Shimane, Japan using a diffusive approach. The diffusional migration rate of DLPs, although slower than regular earthquakes, is sufficient to link slow deformation with low-frequency seismic radiation. DLPs are likely caused by shear slip and can be explained by the concept of seismic patches causing diffusive shear slips.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Malcolm C. A. White, Hongjian Fang, Rufus D. Catchings, Mark R. Goldman, Jamison H. Steidl, Yehuda Ben-Zion
Summary: This study presents a detailed earthquake catalogue and velocity models for the 2019 Ridgecrest, California, earthquake sequence, derived using data recorded by densely deployed sensors following the main shock. The models correlate well with surface geology and seismicity patterns, providing insights into the seismic behavior in the region.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Toshiko Terakawa, Mitsuhiro Matsu'ura
Summary: We developed an inversion method to estimate 3-D tectonic stress fields using centroid moment tensor (CMT) data from seismic events. The analysis of 24 years of data in northeast Japan revealed that the tectonic stress orientation was stable for 14 years before the 2011 megathrust event. However, there is a possibility of significant changes in tectonic stress orientation in the post-seismic period. The evaluation results indicate that the stress orientation change in the region off Fukushima and Ibaraki is real.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Longtan Wang, Yijian Zhou, Shiyong Zhou, Hao Zhang
Summary: This study validates the existence of a bi-material interface and determines the velocity contrast across the Xianshuihe-Anninghe Fault (XAF) zone. A semi-automatic workflow is employed to detect and pick fault zone head waves (FZHWs) and direct P waves. By using a 'forward-detecting and backward-picking' strategy combining the STA/LTA algorithm with a kurtosis detector, the ability to identify potential FZHWs is improved. The results reveal a single continuous interface in the seismogenic zone and provide insights into the preparation of large earthquakes.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Vera Schulte-Pelkum, Jonathan Saul Caine, James V. Jones, Thorsten W. Becker
SEISMOLOGICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2020)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
M. G. Jackson, T. W. Becker, B. Steinberger
Summary: This study reevaluated the spatial distribution of geochemical reservoirs and their link to mantle convection, indicating that high-He-3/He-4 is not geographically confined to the LLSVPs. The research suggests that the generation of high-He-3/He-4 is dependent on plume dynamics rather than geography, while hotspots sampling recycled continental crust are closely linked to LLSVPs.
GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Lukas Fuchs, Thorsten W. Becker
Summary: Strain localization in the lithosphere is crucial in plate tectonics and mantle convection, and different mechanisms such as grain-size sensitive rheology and damage-style parameterizations are proposed to explain this phenomenon. By comparing the dynamic weakening and hardening effects of these mechanisms, this study aims to better understand the strain-localization modeling approaches used in different tectonics and geodynamics communities.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Robert W. Porritt, Thorsten W. Becker, Lapo Boschi, Ludwig Auer
Summary: The study presents a new global shear wave velocity tomography model to investigate upper mantle structure and North American Plate dynamics, focusing on the contiguous United States using USArray data. The resulting model provides higher resolution and reveals short wavelength anomalies under the contiguous United States, bridging the gap between high-resolution regional models and global models for a better understanding of continental dynamics.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Claudio Faccenna, Thorsten W. Becker, Adam F. Holt, Jean Pierre Brun
Summary: This study explores the mechanisms behind orogeny, distinguishing between upper mantle subduction and whole mantle convection cells, with the latter causing extreme crustal thickening. Research suggests that slab penetration into the lower mantle may trigger whole mantle convection cells, supported by geological evidence.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Vera Schulte-Pelkum, Thorsten W. Becker, Whitney M. Behr, Meghan S. Miller
Summary: By analyzing deformation indicators at different depths in southern California, it was found that there is roughly N-S compression and E-W extension near the surface and in the asthenospheric mantle. However, all lithospheric anisotropy indicators show deviations, indicating that lithospheric structure may influence current deformation behavior.
GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Whitney M. Behr, Adam F. Holt, Thorsten W. Becker, Claudio Faccenna
Summary: Tectonic plate motions are influenced by the composition of subducting crustal material and the viscosity of the subduction interface. This study uses numerical models to investigate the impact of subduction interface viscosity on subduction kinematics and dynamics. The results show that an increase in interface viscosity can decrease convergence speeds. The study also reveals the interplay between interface strength and overriding plate topography, as well as cases of slab break-off/tearing.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
S. Puel, E. Khattatov, U. Villa, D. Liu, O. Ghattas, T. W. Becker
Summary: A new finite-element-based computational framework is introduced for solving forward and inverse elastic deformation problems for earthquake faulting. The framework is flexible, transparent, and easily extensible, and demonstrates potential in linear coseismic slip inversion. The implementation is fully open-source and code to reproduce the results is provided.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
S. Brizzi, T. W. Becker, C. Faccenna, W. Behr, I Zelst, L. Dal Zilio, Y. Dinther
Summary: Subducted sediments can affect subduction dynamics and geometry, with thick sediments potentially leading to slower subduction and changes in slab buoyancy and megathrust stress. Sediment buoyancy and wedge geometry are suggested to play important roles in large-scale subduction dynamics beyond just lubricating the interface.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
T. Gerya, D. Bercovici, T. W. Becker
Summary: The study reveals that bending-induced plate damage can lead to slab weakening and segmentation at the outer-rise region, with a strong feedback between brittle and ductile damage localization. This phenomenon explains the subduction dichotomy, development of large-offset normal faults near trenches, occurrence of segmented seismic velocity anomalies, distinct interfaces within subducted slabs, and localized intraplate areas of reduced effective viscosity.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Erin Heilman, Thorsten W. Becker
Summary: Mantle plumes can play a significant role in the evolution of Earth and plate tectonics, potentially causing the termination of subduction zones and contributing to the complexity of mantle structures. This effect may be particularly relevant for the early Earth and remain relevant in modern times.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
L. Fuchs, T. W. Becker
Summary: Understanding the temporal variability of plate tectonics and the impact of rheological memory on plate boundaries is crucial for unraveling heat transport and surface dynamics. This study analyzes the effects of damage memory on oceanic-lithosphere-only models of mantle convection and finds that weak zones are reactivated in distinct ways, influencing plate reorganizations and surface heat loss.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Junlin Hua, Karen M. Fischer, Thorsten W. Becker, Esteban Gazel, Greg Hirth
Summary: The asthenosphere is crucial for plate tectonics, as its low viscosity controls mantle convection that affects the Earth's surface. The origin and impact of partial melting in the asthenosphere remain unclear. Through analysis of seismic data, we found globally widespread evidence for a low-velocity zone at the base of the asthenosphere. This zone is most commonly detected in regions with higher upper-mantle temperatures and is likely a partially molten layer.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jyotirmoy Paul, Clinton P. P. Conrad, Thorsten W. W. Becker, Attreyee Ghosh
Summary: Despite the exposure to convective stresses throughout Earth's history, cratonic roots can resist mantle shearing due to their neutral density and higher strength. However, the excessive thickness and higher viscosity of cratons amplify coupling to underlying mantle flow, which could be destabilizing.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Anthony A. P. Koppers, Thorsten W. Becker, Matthew G. Jackson, Kevin Konrad, R. Dietmar Muller, Barbara Romanowicz, Bernhard Steinberger, Joanne M. Whittaker
Summary: Mantle plumes are channels of thermal and chemical upwelling in the deep Earth's mantle, with potentially more than 18 rooted in the lower mantle, as supported by geochemistry of hotspot volcanoes. However, controversies persist regarding the origin, dynamics, and composition of mantle plumes, requiring improvements in seismic imaging resolution and geochemical analysis techniques to better resolve mantle plume structures.
NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)