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Detection Limits and Near‐Field Ground Motions of Fast and Slow Earthquakes

Journal Article · · Journal of Geophysical Research. Solid Earth
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JB018935· OSTI ID:1638428
 [1];  [2]
  1. Section 4.2: Geomechanics and Scientific Drilling Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences Potsdam Germany, Department of Earth Sciences, Institute of Geological Sciences Free University Berlin Berlin Germany
  2. Department of Earth Sciences University of Southern California Los Angeles CA USA
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Abstract

We investigate theoretical limits to detection of fast and slow seismic events, and spatial variations of ground motion expected from M 6 earthquakes at short epicentral distances. The analyses are based on synthetic velocity seismograms calculated with the discrete wavenumber method assuming seismic velocities and attenuation properties of the crust in Southern California. The examined source properties include different magnitudes ( M −1.0 to M 6.0), static stress drops (0.1–10 MPa), and slow and fast ruptures (0.1–0.9 of shear wave velocity). For the M 6 events we also consider variations in rise times producing crack‐ and pulse‐type events and different rupture directivities. Slow events produce ground motion with considerably lower amplitude than corresponding regular fast earthquakes with the same magnitude, and hence are significantly more difficult to detect. The static stress drop and slip rise time also affect the maximum radiated seismic motion, and hence event detectability. Apart from geometrical factors, the saturation and depletion of seismic ground motion at short epicentral distances stem from radiation pattern, earthquake size (magnitude, stress drop), and rupture directivity. The rupture velocity, rise time, and directivity affect significantly the spatial pattern of the ground motions. The results can help optimizing detection of slow and fast small earthquakes and understand the spatial distribution of ground motion generated by large events.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE; USDOE Office of Science (SC)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0016520
OSTI ID:
1638428
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1803017
OSTI ID: 1638429
Journal Information:
Journal of Geophysical Research. Solid Earth, Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research. Solid Earth Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 125; ISSN 2169-9313
Publisher:
American Geophysical Union (AGU)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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