The content provides insights into the detailed structure of subduction zone seismogenic interfaces, which generate the largest earthquakes on Earth. Geological studies have characterized the interface as a 100 m–1 km thick zone with deformation occurring on metre-scale faults. In contrast, seismological studies often image the interface as a kilometres-wide band of seismicity.
The study uses a high-resolution 3D velocity model and dense earthquake relocations in Ecuador to obtain a detailed image of seismicity at the subduction interface. The results show that earthquakes sometimes occur on a single plane, but often on several simultaneously active, metres-thick subparallel fault planes within the interface zone. This geometrical complexity affects the propagation of afterslip, demonstrating the influence of fault continuity and structure on slip at the seismogenic interface.
The findings provide important insights that can help create more realistic models of earthquake rupture, aseismic slip, and earthquake hazard in subduction zones. The multifault network structure revealed by seismological data contrasts with the simpler geological models, highlighting the value of integrating different observational approaches to understand the complex deformation processes at subduction interfaces.
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by Caroline Cha... at www.nature.com 04-17-2024
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07245-yDeeper Inquiries