Dissipative processes in fault zones ( based on physical modeling results)

Abstract

Active fault zones are considered open systems. Tectonic stress energy accumulated and redistributed in the areas of its active dynamic influence under the action of various energy sources is spent mainly in slow tectonic and discrete rapid seismic dissipative processes. Based on the results of physical modeling of the formation of a large fault zone, the spatial and temporal relations between tectonic and seismic dissipative processes are analyzed and their controlling factors are estimated. Tectonic and seismic dissipative processes are in particular spatial and temporal relations during the structural evolution of the fault zone and occur in antiphase. As a rule, the maximum development of one process coincides with the minimum occurrence of the other, and these moments correspond to the beginning or end of stages, phases or other shorter evolutionary periods. Depending on the scale of the deformation process, the frequency of repeatability of these periods determines the periodicity of activation of tectonic and seismic dissipations and their spatial features.