Temporal Seismic Velocity Changes Associated With the Mw 6.1, May 2008 Ölfus Doublet, South Iceland: A Joint Interpretation From dv/v and GPS

Abstract

AbstractIn South Iceland, populated and agricultural areas are at risk of earthquakes due to their location within the South Iceland Seismic Zone (SISZ). In 2008, two moderate‐sized earthquakes (M5.8 and M5.9) occurred in Ölfus, the western end of this highly active transform zone. We analyze temporal seismic velocity variations (dv/v) related to the Ölfus earthquake doublet, using cross‐correlations of ambient noise in the frequency range of 0.1–3.0 Hz. The two mainshocks decrease the average velocity by 0.8% at the nearest stations. The co‐seismic changes are most noticeable from 0.7 to 1.7 Hz and affect a 40 km wide region. We present a first‐time comparison of dv/v to crustal deformation, seismicity, co‐seismic volumetric stress changes and reported PGA distribution for the Ölfus doublet. Ground accelerations caused by mainshocks at intermediate distances suggest that strong shaking‐related damage may contribute to the co‐seismic dv/v decrease. A rapid velocity increase (0.3%) in a month after the co‐seismic drop indicates crustal rock healing. We find 3‐months of post‐seismic decorrelation, followed by a nearly permanent velocity decrease (0.2%) confined to a shallow layer (1 km) until the end of the observation period. Afterslip and pore fluid effects in the near‐source region are likely to influence post‐seismic dv/v. We demonstrate that seismic interferometry can contribute to future fault‐zone monitoring operations in the SISZ by detecting small changes in velocity.