Postseismic response of repeating aftershocks

Publication Status is "Submitted" Or "In Press: 
LDEO Publication: 
Publication Type: 
Year of Publication: 
1998
Editor: 
Journal Title: 
Geophysical Research Letters
Journal Date: 
Dec 15
Place Published: 
Tertiary Title: 
Volume: 
25
Issue: 
24
Pages: 
4549-4552
Section / Start page: 
Publisher: 
ISBN Number: 
0094-8276
ISSN Number: 
Edition: 
Short Title: 
Accession Number: 
ISI:000077882600040
LDEO Publication Number: 
Call Number: 
Abstract: 

The recurrence intervals of repeating earthquakes on the San Andreas Fault in the Loma Prieta aftershock zone follow the characteristic lit decay of Omori's law. A model in which these earthquakes occur on isolated patches of the fault that fail in stick-slip with creep around them can explain this observation. In this model the recurrence interval is inversely proportional to the loading rate due to creep. Logarithmic velocity strengthening friction predicts lit decay in creep rate following the mainshock. The time dependence of recurrence is inconsistent with a simple viscous constitutive relationship, which predicts an exponential decay of loading rate. Thus, our observations imply postseismic slip at seismogenic depth under a power law rheology. The time dependence of postseismic deformation measured geodetically may be diagnostic of whether postseismic deformation is caused by creep or possible viscoelastic deformation at greater depths.

Notes: 

154HDTimes Cited:47Cited References Count:21

DOI: