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arXiv · 2407.18283

The role of gouge production in the seismic behavior of rough faults: A numerical study

Miguel Castellano·Enrico Milanese·Camilla Cattania·David S. Kammer
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Abstract

Fault zones mature through the accumulation of earthquakes and the wearing of contact asperities at multiple scales. This study examines how wear-induced gouge production affects the evolution of fault seismicity, focusing on earthquake nucleation, recurrence, and moment partitioning. Using 2D quasi-dynamic simulations integrating rate-and-state friction with Archard's law of wear, we model the space-time distribution of gouge and its effect on the critical slip distance. The study reveals a shift from single to multi-rupture nucleation, marked by increased foreshock activity. The recurrence interval undergoes two separate phases: an initial phase of steady increase followed by a secondary phase of unpredictable behavior. Finally, we observe a transition in the moment partitioning from faster to slower slip rates and a decrease in the moment released per cycle relative to the case where no gouge formation is simulated. This research sheds light on wear-driven mechanisms affecting fault slip behavior, offering valuable insights into how the evolution of gouge along a fault affects its seismic potential.

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Miguel Castellano, Enrico Milanese, Camilla Cattania, David S. Kammer. 2024-07-30. The role of gouge production in the seismic behavior of rough faults: A numerical study. https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.18283

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