Very Low Frequency Earthquakes Research Articles

Spatial variation in shallow slow earthquake activity in Hyuga-nada, southwest Japan

SUMMARY Hyuga-nada, off the Pacific coast of Kyushu along the Nankai Trough in southwest Japan, is one of the most active slow earthquake regions around Japan. We estimated the energies of shallow tremors and moments of shallow very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs) in Hyuga-nada using data from a permanent onshore broadband network and temporary ocean–bottom seismometer observations. The energies and moments of these slow earthquakes have a similar along-strike variation and are generally higher south of the subducted Kyushu–Palau Ridge than near the top of the ridge. This spatial variation is also related to the characteristics of slow earthquake migration. The along-strike migration speed was faster at initiation in the south, where the moments of slow earthquakes are higher. After migration entered the subducted Kyushu–Palau Ridge, its speed was decelerated with a parabolic pattern and their moments became smaller. Assuming a constant patch size of slow earthquakes, we estimated that the stress drop of VLFEs in the south of the subducted ridge was approximately three times higher than that near the top of the subducted ridge. According to our observations and a physical model, this stress drop difference between adjacent regions may cause parabolic migration. We also estimated the scaled energy of slow earthquakes from the ratio of the seismic energy rates of tremors to the seismic moment rates of accompanying VLFEs. The spatial variation in scaled energy is not identified inside the Hyuga-nada. Since the range of scaled energy is similar between the south and near the top of the subducted ridge, the apparent stress may be similar if the rigidity is the same. The dominant range of scaled energy of slow earthquakes in Hyuga-nada is 10−11.5–10−8.5. In addition to having similar or one order smaller values compared to other slow earthquake regions, the range of scaled energy in Hyuga-nada is broader. This broader range suggests wide range of characteristic time and various spectral features of slow earthquakes in Hyuga-nada. Based on a Brownian slow earthquake model, the wide range of characteristic time in this area suggests width variations of slow earthquake source area.

Detectability analysis of very low frequency earthquakes: methods and application in Nankai using F-net and DONET broad-band seismometers

SUMMARY For a more quantitative discussion of slow earthquake activity, we evaluated the detectable limits of very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs), which are seismic slow earthquakes observed in very low-frequency (< 0.05 Hz) bands in the Nankai subduction zone. We performed numerical simulations using a local 3-D model and used the observed noise level of permanent broad-band seismometers. First, we investigated the effects of the source-time functions on the maximum amplitudes of the VLFE signals at a certain station. The maximum amplitudes of the VLFE signals were controlled by the VLFE moment rate. The detectable limit of VLFEs at each source location can be defined as the lowest moment rate of detectable VLFEs, which radiate signals larger than the noise levels of any component at ≥ 3 stations. For inland seismometers only, the detectable limits of VLFEs at deep (30–40 km) and shallow (≤ 10 km) depths were 1012–1012.3 and 1012.7 N·m s−1, respectively. Due to the geometrical spreading of VLFE signals and large noise levels in horizontal components, offshore seismometers improved the detectability of shallow VLFEs in regions where seismometers were densely deployed. Based on our detectability and published catalogues, shallow slow earthquakes are less active south-southwest off the Kii Peninsula, where geodetic studies expect mechanical coupling.

Measurements of Wave‐Induced Attenuation in Saturated Metapelite and the Band‐Limitation of Low‐Frequency Earthquakes

AbstractThe most common explanation for the depletion of high frequency waves that defines low‐frequency earthquakes (LFEs) and very low‐frequency earthquakes (VLFEs) is that fault rupture and slip are slower than typical earthquakes. However, it is difficult to rule out the possibility that the high frequency waves are produced during slip, but attenuated near the LFE source. One reason this hypothesis has been poorly tested is that there are no measurements of attenuation on the relevant rocks. We present the results of forced oscillation experiments that measure the frequency‐dependent attenuation of a chlorite‐rich metapelitic schist, a lithology found along the subduction plate boundary where LFEs and VLFEs have been documented. Experiments were run on dry and water‐saturated schist at effective pressures of 2–10 MPa and at frequencies of 2 × 10−5–30 Hz. We find that pore fluids and low effective pressure result in the attenuation of high frequencies. The frequency‐dependent attenuation is consistent with the concomitant operation of two wave‐induced fluid flow mechanisms, squirt flow, and patchy saturation. When the effects of these mechanisms are extrapolated to geologic conditions using rock physics models, our results predict that attenuation is capable of completely diminishing the frequencies depleted in LFEs and VLFEs. Therefore, LFEs and VLFEs may not necessarily record slow fault slip, but possibly the presence of high fluid pressure.

Very Low Frequency Earthquakes Modulate Regular Fast Earthquakes at the Central Range in Taiwan

AbstractSlow earthquakes in the form of tremors and low frequency earthquakes (low‐frequency earthquakes) occur along the south‐central range of Taiwan (Aguiar et al., 2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016gl072148; Chao et al., 2012, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246x.2011.05261.x; Tang et al., 2010, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010gl043918). This study detects discrete very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs) using a grid‐search moment tensor inversion algorithm (Ghosh et al., 2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015gl063286; Hutchison & Ghosh, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018jb016138). By applying a matched filtered technique, we have created a robust VLFE catalog for 3 years. The two VLFEs closer to the tremor‐producing region show a temporal relationship, but the western VLFE is the most active among the three. Our VLFE catalog of high temporal resolution allows us to identify a significant increase in VLFE activities preceding earthquake swarms. An empirical comparison of the VLFE catalog with regional and local cataloged fast earthquakes reveals two such instances. We show that fluid migration from deeper to shallower crust explains this modulation of regular fast earthquakes by VLFEs.

Tectonic tremors immediately after the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake detected by near-trench seafloor seismic observations

Temporal seismic observations from pop-up type ocean-bottom seismometers were used to detect tectonic tremors immediately following the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake in the northern periphery of the aftershock area. Near-field observations clearly distinguished tremors from regular earthquakes based on their spectral shape in the frequency band of 1–4 Hz. In addition to tremors accompanied by very low-frequency earthquakes (VLFEs), we detected 130 tremors without known VLFE activity during April–October 2011. The newly detected tremors were in the vicinity of a sequence of small repeating earthquakes, indicating a mixed distribution of tremors and regular interplate earthquakes in the region. Tremor activity was high immediately after the deployment of seismometers and gradually decreased. In addition, the tremor activity fluctuated with two activations with an interval of approximately 90 days, similar to the intervals between tremor bursts after 2016. The results of the study suggest that the observed tremors occurred under the influence of aseismic slip caused by the decaying afterslip of the preceding Tohoku-Oki and Mw 7.4 interplate earthquakes and episodic accelerations with a quasi-periodicity unique to the area.

Widespread Very Low Frequency Earthquakes (VLFEs) Activity Offshore Cascadia

AbstractA significant amount of stress in the Cascadia subduction zone (CSZ) is released by different forms of slow earthquakes including tremors, low‐frequency earthquakes, and very low‐frequency earthquakes (VLFEs)—all occurring onshore at the deeper part of the transition zone. Their activity offshore, however, remains elusive. We discover widespread occurrence of discrete VLFEs offshore Cascadia using ocean‐bottom seismometers. Barring occasional regular fast earthquakes, VLFEs are the only seismic stress indicators offshore. Using centroid moment tensor inversion and matched filtering, we detect sequences of 12 distinct families of VLFEs. The VLFEs in northern CSZ have focal mechanisms consistent with the area's subduction zone deformation. Interestingly, the VLFEs in the southern part of CSZ show strike‐slip faulting, attributed to offshore faults, sediment consolidation, subduction bending, and transpressional regimes created by complex plate tectonics. It challenges a canonical view of the seismogenic zone in Cascadia characterized by a frictionally homogeneous fault segment producing only regular fast earthquakes.

Source Characteristics and Along‐Strike Variations of Shallow Very Low Frequency Earthquake Swarms on the Nankai Trough Shallow Plate Boundary

AbstractWe detected shallow very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs) off the Cape Muroto and Kii Channel in the Nankai subduction zone and estimated their moment rate functions. Combining the new and previously estimated catalogs, we obtained the comprehensive catalog of shallow VLFE moment rate functions along the Nankai Trough. We defined the shallow VLFE swarms and investigated the scaling relationships of their cumulative moments, activity area, and durations in each region. Detected swarms were considered candidates for shallow slow slip events. A similar scaling relationship was observed between the cumulative moments and activity areas, irrespective of regions. It indicates similar stress drops in each region. However, the relationship between the cumulative moments and durations varied. This difference was explained by the along‐strike variations in the faulting conditions of shallow slow earthquakes, such as material or hydrological properties.

Very Low Frequency Earthquakes in Between the Seismogenic and Tremor Zones in Cascadia?

AbstractMegathrust earthquakes and their associated tsunamis cause some of the worst natural disasters. In addition to earthquakes, a wide range of slip behaviors are present at subduction zones, including slow earthquakes that span multiple orders of spatial and temporal scales. Understanding these events may shed light on the stress or strength conditions of the megathrust fault. Out of all types of slow earthquakes, very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs) are most enigmatic because they are difficult to detect reliably, and the physical nature of VLFEs are poorly understood. Here we show three VLFEs in Cascadia that were dynamically triggered by a 2009 Mw 6.9 Canal de Ballenas earthquake in the Gulf of California. The VLFEs likely locate in between the seismogenic zone and the Cascadia episodic tremor and slip (ETS) zone, including one event with a moment magnitude of 5.7. This is the largest VLFE reported to date, causing clear geodetic signals. Our results show that the Cascadia megathrust fault might slip rapidly at some spots in this gap zone, and such a permissible slip behavior has direct seismic hazard implications for coastal communities and perhaps further inland. Further, the observed seismic sources may represent a new class of slip events, whose characteristics do not fit current understandings of slow or regular earthquakes.

Spatiotemporal Variations of Shallow Very Low Frequency Earthquake Activity Southeast Off the Kii Peninsula, Along the Nankai Trough, Japan

AbstractCross‐correlation analysis was applied to long‐term onshore broadband records from April 2004 to March 2021 to detect and relocate shallow very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs) southeast off the Kii Peninsula, along the Nankai Trough, Japan. We then determined the moment rate functions of detected shallow VLFEs using the Monte Carlo‐based simulated annealing method. According to this new comprehensive catalog, shallow VLFEs are widespread beneath the accretionary prism toe, but shallow VLFEs with large cumulative moments are localized around the western edge of the paleo‐Zenisu Ridge, which is subducted beneath southeast off the Kii Peninsula. Our results from the long‐term shallow VLFE catalog are well consistent with previous studies in this region, suggesting that heterogeneous structures and stress conditions due to the subducted paleo‐Zenisu Ridge promote the occurrence of shallow slow earthquakes. The relocated shallow VLFE epicenters illustrated three major episodes characterized by a similar activity area and five minor episodes characterized by different areas. The three major episodes exhibited slow frontal migration with different initiation locations, directions, and speeds, as well as several rapid reverse migrations. Episodes of minor activity were distributed in different locations within part of the area of major activity. Different patterns of shallow VLFE migration could reflect temporal changes in the pore‐fluid distribution or stress conditions of the plate boundary.

D\xe9collement geometry controls on shallow very low frequency earthquakes

Recent studies have documented the occurrence of shallow very low frequency earthquakes (VLFE) in subduction zones. The heterogeneity of the materials or stresses that act on the plate interface results in the variable slip rate. Stress on the décollement can be controlled by the décollement geometry and the regional stress, which is also able to control the material properties. We determined the distribution of stress along the shallow portion of the décollement in the Nankai Trough using a three-dimensional (3D) seismic survey and regional stress analysis to construct maps of normalized slip tendency (Ts′) and dilation tendency (Td). Alignments of VLFEs trend parallel to the trends of {T}_{s}^{^{prime}} and {T}_{d}. On the other hand, very low {T}_{s}^{^{prime}} and {T}_{d} areas probably act as barriers that limit the number of VLFEs that can migrate towards the trench. Because the {T}_{s}^{^{prime}} and {T}_{d} distributions are derived only from the décollement geometry and the regional stress without incorporating any data on sediment properties, the consistency between the trends suggests that the décollement geometry is the primary control on VLFE activity.

Shallow Slow Earthquake Episodes Near the Trench Axis off Costa Rica

AbstractSlow earthquakes are mainly distributed in regions surrounding seismogenic zones along the plate boundaries of subduction zones. In the Central American subduction zone, large regular interplate earthquakes with magnitudes of 7–8 occur repeatedly around the Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, and a tsunami earthquake occurred off Nicaragua, just north of Costa Rica, in 1992. To clarify the spatial distribution of various slip behaviors at the plate boundary, we detected and located very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs) around the Nicoya Peninsula using a grid‐search matched‐filter technique with synthetic templates based on a regional three‐dimensional model. VLFEs were active in September 2004 and August 2005, mainly near the trench axis, updip of the seismogenic zone. The distribution of VLFEs overlapped with large slip areas of slow slip events. Low frequency tremor signals were also found in high‐frequency seismogram envelopes within the same time windows as detected VLFEs; thus, we also investigated the energy rates of tremors accompanied by VLFEs. The range of scaled energy, which is the ratio of the seismic energy rate of a tremor to the seismic moment rate of accompanying VLFE and related to the rupture process of seismic phenomena, was 10−9–10−8. The along‐dip separation of shallow slow and large earthquakes and the range of the scaled energy off Costa Rica are similar to those in shallow slow earthquakes in Nankai, which shares a similar thermal structure along the shallow plate boundary.

Seismic energy radiation and along-strike heterogeneities of shallow tectonic tremors at the Nankai Trough and Japan Trench

Shallow slow earthquakes have been documented along shallow plate interfaces near trenches. Recent geophysical observation networks located offshore of Japan enable us to analyze shallow tremors in the Nankai Trough and the Japan Trench. Onshore seismic stations are also important for detecting shallow very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs) and for evaluating their seismicity prior to the deployment of offshore observation networks. This study analyzes data from ocean bottom seismometers to estimate the seismic energy radiation of such tremors, from which we observe along-strike heterogeneity. Tremors with higher seismic energy rates tend to have longer recurrence intervals, which has also been observed for deep tremors. This study also estimates seismic moment releases of shallow VLFEs at the Japan Trench observed by onshore seismic stations using Green's function in a local three-dimensional seismic velocity model. The scaled energy, which is the ratio of the seismic energy (rate) to the seismic moment (rate), is ~10−9. Shallow slow earthquakes located off the Kii Peninsula and Cape Muroto in the Nankai Trough have higher values (10−9–10−8), while shallow slow earthquakes located off the Kii channel in the Nankai Trough and in the Japan Trench have lower values (10−10–10−9), which are similar to the values estimated for deep slow earthquakes. By comparing the cumulative seismic energy of the shallow tremors with the cumulative seismic moment of shallow VLFEs, we evaluate the monitoring of shallow tremors and shallow VLFEs in the Japan Trench, suggesting that monitoring shallow VLFEs based on data from onshore seismic stations could miss many (~90% at most) of the seismic moment releases by small magnitude but frequent events.

Slow Earthquakes Illuminating Interplate Coupling Heterogeneities in Subduction Zones

AbstractSlow earthquakes are mainly distributed in the vicinity of seismogenic zones of megathrust earthquakes and relationships between both types of earthquakes are expected. We examined the activity of very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs), classified as one type of slow earthquake, around Japan because they have the potential to clarify detailed spatiotemporal slip behaviors at the plate boundaries. The distribution of the shallow VLFE activity rate is heterogeneous along trench axes and exhibits an anticorrelation relationship with the spatial distribution of the interplate coupling ratio, whereas deep VLFEs are distributed only in weakly coupled areas, and the spatial variation of the activity rate is small. Furthermore, VLFEs are mainly hosted by low seismic velocity anomalies. Thus, slow earthquakes can be triggered by decreased effective stress due to the high pore fluid pressure within regions with weak interplate coupling, and their activity can be an indicator of interplate slip behavior.

Three-dimensional topographic relief of the oceanic crust may control the occurrence of shallow very-low-frequency earthquakes in the Nankai Trough off Kumano

To explore a local relationship between geological structures and the occurrence of very-low-frequency earthquakes (VLFEs), a particular class of slow earthquakes with characteristic periods of 10–100 s, we investigated three-dimensional (3D) structural features using reprocessed 3D seismic data from the Nankai Trough off Kumano, southwestern Japan. In this region, VLFEs have been observed along the subducting Philippine Sea Plate. Although the detailed source distribution of VLFEs was estimated by means of recent land-based and offshore seismic networks, the relation with geological features is not well understood. First, we reprocessed the 3D seismic data with advanced techniques and reinterpreted the fault distribution in the sediment layer of the accretionary prism and tracked two key horizons: a décollement and the oceanic crust surface. In the accretionary prism sediments, multiple continuous reflectors of basal detachments in the underthrust sequence and conjugate faults cutting the shallow imbricated thrust sequence were identified. In contrast to the gentle variation in the décollement surface, the topographic relief of the oceanic crust was prominent, with ridges and surface displacement due to faults in the oceanic crust. Then, we compared the structural features with the VLFE source locations. Most VLFEs were located deep in the underthrust sediments where the sediments may consist of underconsolidated muds. Furthermore, a high spatial correlation was observed between the VLFE distribution and the oceanic crust topographic relief. The maximum stress direction, which was inferred from the conjugate faults in the imbricated thrust zone, was consistent with the spatial relation between the VLFE localization and the oceanic crust central ridge. Oceanic crust ridges may cause strain accumulation in the underthrust sediments on the landward sides of the ridges, and low-angle slow thrust movements might be caused using weak slip planes in the underthrust muddy sediments. That is, the topographic relief of the oceanic crust may control the occurrence of shallow VLFEs in the Nankai Trough.

Inter‐episodic Tremor and Slip Event Episodes of Quasi‐spatiotemporally Discrete Tremor and Very Low Frequency Earthquakes in Cascadia Suggestive of a Connective Underlying, Heterogeneous Process

AbstractExploring relationships between different types of slow earthquakes is essential for determining their source properties and controlling parameters. Studies show that very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs) and tremor are discrete events that necessitate a further comprehensive study with respect to each other. Spatiotemporal analyses of VLFE and tremor catalogs from three interepisodic tremor and slip (inter‐ETS) events in Cascadia show that seemingly uncorrelated events have more nuanced quasi‐spatiotemporal relationships. Some of these events are either only related spatially, where tremor and VLFEs occur in the same location at different times, or related temporally, occurring at a distance but during the same time period. Including quasi‐related events, nearly all VLFEs and tremor that do not exhibit immediate spatiotemporal relationships become correlated. I interpret this to mean they are related by a connective process that either is itself heterogenous or has heterogenous expressions based on other physical characteristics.

Earthquake nucleation and fault slip complexity in the lower crust of central Alaska

Earthquakes start under conditions that are largely unknown. In laboratory analogue experiments and continuum models, earthquakes transition from slow-slipping, growing nucleation to fast-slipping rupture. In nature, earthquakes generally start abruptly, with no evidence for a nucleation process. Here we report evidence from a strike-slip fault zone in central Alaska of extended earthquake nucleation and of very-low-frequency earthquakes (VLFEs), a phenomenon previously reported only in subduction zone environments. In 2016, a VLFE transitioned into an earthquake of magnitude 3.7 and was preceded by a 12-hour-long accelerating foreshock sequence. Benefiting from 12 seismic stations deployed within 30 km of the epicentre, we identify coincident radiation of distinct high-frequency and low-frequency waves during 22 s of nucleation. The power-law temporal growth of the nucleation signal is quantitatively predicted by a model in which high-frequency waves are radiated from the vicinity of an expanding slow slip front. The observations reveal the continuity and complexity of slip processes near the bottom of the seismogenic zone of a strike-slip fault system in central Alaska. A strike-slip fault zone in central Alaska exhibits a range of earthquake slip processes, including very-low-frequency earthquakes, some of which transition into regular, fast earthquakes.

Temporal Activity Modulation of Deep Very Low Frequency Earthquakes in Shikoku, Southwest Japan

AbstractWe investigated long‐term changes in the activity of deep very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs) in western Shikoku, southwest part of the Nankai subduction zone in Japan for 13 years by the matched‐filter technique. VLFE activity is expected to be a proxy of interplate slips. In the Bungo channel, where long‐term slow slip events (SSEs) occurred frequently, the cumulative number of detected VLFEs increased rapidly in 2010 and 2014, which were modulated by long‐term SSEs. In the neighboring inland region near the Bungo channel, the cumulative number increased steeply every 6 months. This stepwise change was accompanied by episodic tremors and slips. Deep VLFE activity in western Shikoku has been low since the latter half of 2014. This decade‐scale quiescence may be attributed to the change in interplate coupling strength in the Nankai subduction zone.

Distribution of very low frequency earthquakes in the Nankai accretionary prism influenced by a subducting-ridge

We investigated the distribution of very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs) that occurred in the shallow accretionary prism of the eastern Nankai trough during one week of VLFE activity in October 2015. They were recorded very close from the sources by an array of broadband ocean bottom seismometers (BBOBSs) equipped in Dense Oceanfloor Network system for Earthquakes and Tsunamis 1 (DONET1). The locations of VLFEs estimated using a conventional envelope correlation method appeared to have a large scatter, likely due to effects of 3D structures near the seafloor and/or sources that the method could not handle properly. Therefore, we assessed their relative locations by introducing a hierarchal clustering analysis based on patterns of relative peak times of envelopes within the array measured for each VLFE. The results suggest that, in the northeastern side of the network, all the detected VLFEs occur 30–40 km landward of the trench axis, near the intersection of a splay fault with the seafloor. Some likely occurred along the splay fault. On the other hand, many VLFEs occur closer to the trench axis in the southwestern side, likely along the plate boundary, and the VLFE activity in the shallow splay fault appears less intense, compared to the northeastern side. Although this could be a snap-shot of activity that becomes more uniform over longer-term, the obtained distribution can be reasonably explained by the change in shear stresses and pore pressures caused by a subducting-ridge below the northeastern side of DONET1. The change in stress state along the strike of the plate boundary, inferred from the obtained VLFE distribution, should be an important indicator of the strain release pattern and localised variations in the tsunamigenic potential of this region.

Distribution of low-frequency earthquakes accompanying the very low frequency earthquakes along the Ryukyu Trench

This study investigated the activity and distribution of low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs) accompanying the very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs) in the central and southern Ryukyu Trench. This investigation was based on short-period seismometer waveforms obtained by the Japan Meteorological Agency from April 2004 to December 2015. The LFEs were detected using the Envelope Correlation Method, and the hypocenter locations were established using the arrival time difference of the envelope. The arrival times of the P- and S-phases were selected for events in which conspicuous P and S arrivals were observed and their hypocenters were determined. The results showed that LFEs are distributed 30–50 km from the trench axis in the Okinawa and Yaeyama areas. These areas correspond to a slab depth of 12–25 km. The LFEs and VLFEs occurred in association with slow slip events (SSEs) in the Okinawa and Yaeyama areas, indicating that they are induced by SSEs in the Ryukyu Trench. Moreover, the SSEs, LFE–VLFEs, and thrust-type ordinary earthquakes exhibit separate distributions. This suggests change in the frictional condition at the slab depth of 12–25 km along the trench axis in the Ryukyu subduction zone. In the southern Ryukyu Trench, LFEs occur approximately 50 km from the SSE faults, suggesting that SSEs trigger the LFEs near the southern Ryukyu Trench.Graphical abstract.

Tidal sensitivity of shallow very low frequency earthquakes in the Ryukyu Trench

AbstractWe show that the activity between 2002 and 2014 of shallow very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs), which occur in shallow subduction zones of the Ryukyu Trench, responds to ocean and Earth tides. Tidal sensitivity is highest in the central portion of the Ryukyu Trench and lowest in the southwest. The lag of peak VLFE activation behind the peaks of shear stress or normal stress is laterally heterogeneous along the Ryukyu Trench. The lateral variation of the lag between the peaks of sensitivity and stresses can be explained by the dependence of VLFE activation on thrust‐encouraging shear stress on the plate. The effective normal stress, which is calculated through rock experiments and from the sensitivity of VLFE for shear stress, is 0.25 MPa in the central Ryukyu Trench, which implies that high pore pressure on the plate interface would induce the VLFEs. The lateral variation of the sensitivity can be explained by differences in pore pressure within the plate interface. Although tidal sensitivity is lowest in the southwestern Ryukyu Trench, it increased temporarily during the middle of the decay of VLFE swarm activity. This is interpreted as reflecting a temporary increase in pore pressure on the fault, frictional heterogeneity, or fault weakening during the slip of slow slip events.