Coseismic versus interseismic ground deformations, fault rupture inversion and segmentation revealed by 2003 Mw 6.8 Chengkung earthquake in eastern Taiwan

Abstract

The 2003 Chengkung earthquake (Mw 6.8) provided diagnostic evidence for a source model showing the deformation process of the seismogenic Chihshang fault in eastern Taiwan. The aftershocks show a fault‐bend at a depth of 18 km. Coseismic ground displacements recorded by strong‐motion records allow us to deduce instant rupturing of this event. Our resulting model shows a fault length of ∼33 km and dip‐slip dominant rupture on fault‐plane deeper than 18 km. Estimated coseismic displacements constrain two fault planes: one at 5–18 km depth dipping 60°E and 18–36 km depth dipping 45°E. The uppermost fault‐plane of the Chihshang Fault (0–5 km) did not break immediately after the main shock; however, it may have a major role in after‐slip and even interseismic ground deformation. The Taiyuan basin developed in the hanging wall is a geomorphic feature consistent with and adequately explained by coseismic ground displacements.