Abstract
Low-frequency earthquakes are a series of recurring small earthquakes that are thought to compose tectonic tremors. Compared with regular earthquakes of the same magnitude, low-frequency earthquakes have longer source durations and smaller stress drops and slip rates. The mechanism that drives their unusual type of stress accumulation and release processes is unknown. Here, we use phase diagrams of rupture dynamics to explore the connection between low-frequency earthquakes and regular earthquakes. By comparing the source parameters of low-frequency earthquakes from 2001 to 2016 in Parkfield, on the San Andreas Fault, with those from numerical simulations, we conclude that low-frequency earthquakes are earthquakes that self-arrest within the rupture patch without any introduced interference. We also explain the scaling property of low-frequency earthquakes. Our findings suggest a framework for fault deformation in which nucleation asperities can release stress through slow self-arrest processes.
Highlights
Low-frequency earthquakes are a series of recurring small earthquakes that are thought to compose tectonic tremors
We present a source dynamic model suited for both slow earthquakes and regular earthquakes in a single rupture patch and simulate possible rupture types under different physical conditions
Our numerical investigations indicate that the essential difference between regular earthquakes and low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs) is different frictional conditions that drive different ways of rupture termination
Summary
Low-frequency earthquakes are a series of recurring small earthquakes that are thought to compose tectonic tremors. 1234567890():,; As the smallest seismic events of the slow earthquake family, low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs) are a series of small repeating earthquakes that are assumed to compose tectonic tremors[1,2]. Both LFEs and tremors mainly occur in subduction zones[1,3,4,5,6] and are deemed local accelerated deep slip events induced by underlying slow slip. Our work indicates that LFEs are possibly a series of slow earthquakes that can self-arrest within the nucleation zone, and the underlying mechanism connects with the origin of regular seismic events
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