Abstract
AbstractThis study aims to analyze the complex relationship between heat flow and seismicity in tectonically active zones worldwide. The problem was quantitatively analyzed by using a geographic detector method, which is well suited for analyzing nonlinear relationships in geography. Moreover,β-value that describes the frequency-magnitude distribution is used to represent the seismicity. The results showed that heat flow (HF) = 84 mW/m2is a critical point for the relevant mechanisms of heat flow with seismicity in these zones. When HF < 84 mW/m2, the heat flow correlates negatively with theβ-value, with a correlation degree of 0.394. Within this interval, buoyant is a primary control on the stress state and earthquake size distribution. Large earthquakes occur more frequently in subduction zones with younger slabs that are more buoyant. Due to zones with a high ratio of large earthquake corresponds to lowβ-values, high heat flow values correspond to lowβ-values. When HF > 84 mW/m2, the heat flow correlates positively with theβ-value, with a correlation degree of 0.463. Within this interval, the increased heat flow decreases the viscosity of the rock plate and then reduces the stress. Lower stress would correspond to a smaller earthquake and then a higherβ-value. Therefore, high heat flow values correspond to highβ-values. This research would be conducive to understand the geologic activity and be helpful to determine the accuracy and timeliness of seismic hazard assessment.
Highlights
Estimating seismicity is an important part of seismic hazard assessment [1], especially probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) of which the process includes performing seismic zoning, estimating seismicity, and fitting a local attenuation law to ground motion in turn
Seismicity is an important part of the seismic hazard assessment
We use the geographical detector method to analyze the complex relationship of heat flow (HF) with seismicity in global tectonically active zones
Summary
Estimating seismicity is an important part of seismic hazard assessment [1], especially probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) of which the process includes performing seismic zoning, estimating seismicity, and fitting a local attenuation law to ground motion in turn. The seismicity is controlled by different geological structures; it can be used for geological zoning [2,3]. As far as we know, the seismicity is related to many geological factors, such as plate activity, tectonic style, strain rate, and HF [5,6,7,8]. It has always been an interesting but challenging subject to quantitatively understand the associated factor of seismicity. Papadakis et al [12] presented that high heat flow was consistent with the absence of strong events; Zhan [13] indicated that for deep intermediate earthquakes, seismicity was higher in colder slabs but lower in warmer slabs
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