Origin of regularity and complexity of earthquakes

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26400445
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Solid earth and planetary physics
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Kato Naoyuki 東京大学, 地震研究所, 教授 (60224523)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 地震活動 / 摩擦 / シミュレーション

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to understand the origin of complexity of earthquakes, we conduct numerical simulations using a spring-block model and an elastic continuum model. By the use of a rate- and state-dependent friction law, the slip nucleation process and various kinds of aseismic slip processes are reproduced in the spring-block model. In the elastic continuum model, complex earthquake cycles are reproduced even with a few asperities. From analyses of global earthquake catalogue, precursory seismic quiescence was found for some great earthquakes, which can be explained by preseismic sliding expected from the models with rate- and state-dependent friction.

Free Research Field

地震学