The frequency-size scaling of non-volcanic tremors beneath the San Andreas Fault at Parkfield: Possible implications for seismic energy release

Staudenmaier, N, Tormann, T, Edwards, B ORCID: 0000-0001-5648-8015, Mignan, A and Wiemer, S (2019) The frequency-size scaling of non-volcanic tremors beneath the San Andreas Fault at Parkfield: Possible implications for seismic energy release. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 516. pp. 77-107. ISSN 0012-821X, 1385-013X

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.04.006

Abstract

© 2019 Elsevier B.V. We analyse the frequency-size-distribution of non-volcanic tremors observed along the Parkfield section of the San Andreas Fault. We suggest that these non-volcanic tremors follow a power-law scaling typical of scale-invariant, stick slip tectonic earthquakes, but with an unusually high scaling exponent of more than 2.0 and a systematic depth-dependency. While each individual non-volcanic tremor releases only a minuscule amount of energy and slip, this is more than compensated by their sheer numbers. Consequently, the integrated contribution of this largely ‘invisible’ seismicity (non-volcanic tremors and nano-earthquakes) is non-negligible and could potentially account in selected patches along the San Andreas fault for up to 100% of the plate motion.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	non-volcanic tremors, plate motion, seismic energy release, seismotectonics, Gutenberg-Richter power law scaling, frequency magnitude distribution
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	05 Nov 2019 09:49
Last Modified:	07 Dec 2024 02:50
DOI:	10.1016/j.epsl.2019.04.006
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3060527