Abstract
Abstract. The Olami-Feder-Christensen model is probably the most studied model in the context of self-organized criticality and reproduces several statistical properties of real earthquakes. We investigate and explain synchronization and desynchronization of earthquakes in this model in the nonconservative regime and its relevance for the power-law distribution of the event sizes (Gutenberg-Richter law) and for temporal clustering of earthquakes. The power-law distribution emerges from synchronization, and its scaling exponent can be derived as τ = 1.775 from the scaling properties of the rupture areas' perimeter. In contrast, the occurrence of foreshocks and aftershocks according to Omori's law is closely related to desynchronization. This mechanism of foreshock and aftershock generation differs strongly from the widespread idea of spontaneous triggering and gives an idea why some even large earthquakes are not preceded by any foreshocks in nature.
Highlights
The Olami-Feder-Christensen (OFC) model (Olami et al, 1992) is a two-dimensional coupled map lattice model based on the Burridge-Knopoff spring-block earthquake model (Burridge and Knopoff, 1967)
1954) as well as the occurrence of large, more or less periodic earthquakes, so-called asperity events. Later it was discovered by Hergarten and Neugebauer (2002) that the OFC model reproduces another fundamental property of earthquakes, the occurrence of foreshocks and aftershocks according to Omori’s law (Omori, 1894; Utsu, 1961)
We found that the dynamics of the OFC model is governed by two competing mechanisms: Synchronization pushes the system towards a critical state and generates the Gutenberg-Richter law
Summary
1954) (i.e., a power-law distribution of earthquake sizes) as well as the occurrence of large, more or less periodic earthquakes, so-called asperity events Later it was discovered by Hergarten and Neugebauer (2002) that the OFC model reproduces another fundamental property of earthquakes, the occurrence of foreshocks and aftershocks according to Omori’s law (Omori, 1894; Utsu, 1961). Krenn: Synchronization and desynchronization in the OFC model of these neighbor sites may achieve or exceed the threshold force (Fi ≥ 1) and topple. This leads to an avalanche that continues until all sites are stable again (Fi < 1 for each i). We focus on the nonconservative case in this study
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
