Time-dependent and spatio-temporal statistical analysis of seismicity: application on the complete data set of the 2010 Beni–Ilmane earthquake sequence

Abstract

SUMMARY The Beni–Ilmane (BI) seismic sequence, situated in the north-central region of Algeria, began on 2010 May 14 with a main shock of ML 5.4 followed by two other shocks on May 16 and 23 of ML 5.3 for both. Using the complete data set from May 14 to August 31 and the Epidemic Type Aftershock Sequences (ETAS) model to separate background from aftershocks contribution gave a first insight around the uncertainty that surrounds the causes and mechanisms of the seismicity. According to our findings, two phases have been determined, the first one, beginning from May 14, shows low b- and p-values with most of the seismicity being self-triggered. In contrast, the second phase, beginning from May 23, demonstrates an increase of both the b- and p-values with a high number of background events. In the second phase, the background contribution involves 53 per cent of all seismic activity after May 23’s peak which is high compared to typical main shock–aftershocks sequences. A possible explanation is that the main shocks began or assisted aseismic processes in addition to causing aftershocks. A sealed source at depth may have been broken by the third main shock, opening the way for the following incursion of highly pressurized fluids (hydrocarbures) confirmed by a high Vp/Vs ratios.