Boxing Earthquakes and Faults in ACtive Tectonics

Introduction

Large-magnitude earthquakes accommodate most of the tectonic deformations of the Earth along active fault systems. However, despite the occurrence of numerous earthquakes every year, our knowledge of the physical processes governing earthquake ruptures, the relation between rupture propagation, slip distribution, and fault geometry, and the evolution of the fault geometry through successive earthquake cycles is still extremely limited. This limitation hinders significant progress in earthquake hazard mitigation.

Challenges in Understanding Earthquake Processes

Although an increasing number of observations points to a key role of the fault geometry and its evolution on the way rupture propagates and ends through successive earthquake cycles, understanding the 3D geometry of fault systems and its dynamics during earthquakes from natural data alone remains difficult and fraught with problems.

Proposed Approach

In this project, I propose a new approach to address those pending questions by generating my own earthquakes from a combination of lab experiments and numerical simulations. This method aims to make a major step forward in the understanding of natural observations of earthquake ruptures and fault systems.

Objectives

1. Generate experimental earthquakes to provide original data.
2. Study simultaneously rupture processes and fault geometry.
3. Analyze the evolution of fault geometry in 3D.

Data Utilization

The new dataset will be used to train neural networks designed to solve for earthquake source parameters, including:

• 3D rupture geometry
• Finite slip distribution

Eventually, the neural networks will analyze real earthquake ruptures, incorporating remote sensing, field, and seismological data, to produce 3D earthquake rupture models.

Conclusion

The project BE_FACT will thus produce an integrated view of the earthquake fault systems that will answer these long-lasting questions about the intimate relations between earthquake ruptures and fault system geometry. This research will provide a new stepping-stone toward a more earthquake-resilient society.