Generalized Omori law for aftershocks and foreshocks from a simple dynamics

Journal Article · Fri May 21 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/93GL01058· OSTI ID:6328643

Shaw, B E ^[1]

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1. Univ. of California, Santa Barbara (United States)

The author presents a dynamical theory which can explain the time dependent occurrence of foreshocks and aftershocks. The theory is based on a dynamics of self-driven acceleration to failure on the part of a system given a sudden shock. From the theory the author is able to derive the empirically observed distribution function, called Omori's Law, and finds it has an exponent close to one as observed. The model is compared to cataloged fore and aftershock data from observed earthquakes. The author also argues that the accelerating dynamics to failure mechanism introduced in this paper should find expression in other physical phenomena.

• DOE Contract Number: FG03-84ER45108
• OSTI ID: 6328643
• Journal Information: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States), Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States) Vol. 20:10; ISSN GPRLAJ; ISSN 0094-8276
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
580000* -- Geosciences
ACCELERATION
AFTERSHOCKS
DISTRIBUTION
DYNAMICS
EARTHQUAKES
FORESHOCKS
MECHANICS
SEISMIC EVENTS
SPACE DEPENDENCE
TIME DEPENDENCE