Modelling of postseismic processes in subduction regions

Abstract

Large intraplate subduction earthquakes are generally accompanied by prolonged and intense postseismic anomalies. In the present work, viscoelastic relaxation in the upper mantle and the asthenosphere is considered as a main mechanism responsible for the occurrence of such postseismic effects. The study of transient processes is performed on the basis of data on postseismic processes accompanying the first Simushir earthquake on 15 November 2006 and Maule earthquake on 27 February 2010. The methodology of modelling a viscoelastic relaxation process after a large intraplate subduction earthquake is presented. A priori parameters of the selected model describing observed postseismic effects are adjusted by minimizing deviations between modeled surface displacements and actual surface displacements recorded by geodetic methods through solving corresponding inverse problems. The presented methodology yielded estimations of Maxwell’s viscosity of the asthenosphere of the central Kuril Arc and also of the central Chile. Besides, postseismic slip distribution patterns were obtained for the focus of the Simushir earthquake of 15 November 2006 (Mw=8.3) (Figure 3), and distribution patterns of seismic and postseismic slip were determined for the focus of the Maule earthquake of 27 February 2010 (Mw=8.8) (Figure 6). These estimations and patterns can provide for prediction of the intensity of viscoelastic stress attenuation in the asthenosphere; anomalous values should be taken into account as adjustment factors when analyzing inter-seismic deformation in order to ensure correct estimation of the accumulated elastic seismogenic potential.