Pulse-like ruptures induced by low-velocity fault zones

Abstract

Low-velocity fault zones (LVFZs) are found in most mature faults. They are usually 100-400 m wide and have ∼20%-60% wave velocity reductions relative to the country rock. To study the effect of LVFZs on earthquake rupture and the radiated wavefield, we conducted two-dimensional (2-D) simulations of dynamic rupture on faults that bisect a LVFZ, considering a range of velocity reductions and widths. Most earthquakes apparently have slip rise times much shorter than their overall rupture duration. A number of dynamic mechanisms for such pulse-like ruptures have been proposed, including frictional self-healing, fault strength heterogeneities, and bimaterial effects. We find that ruptures in LVFZs with strong enough wave velocity contrast behave as pulses. These pulses are generated by fault locking induced by waves reflected from the boundaries of the LVFZ. This mechanism of pulse generation is robust to variations of initial stress, smoothness of the LVFZ structure, rupture mode, and exclusion of frictional healing. Moreover, we find that LVFZs can generate complex rupture patterns. LVFZs with low-velocity reduction induce multiple rupture fronts involving coexisting pulses and cracks. LVFZs with certain widths can accelerate the transition to supershear rupture speed. These additional effects of LVFZs on dynamic rupture can contribute to the complexity of high-frequency ground motions. Copyright 2011 by the American Geophysical Union.