A Detailed Understanding of Slow Self‐Arresting Rupture

Abstract

AbstractRecent numerical simulation studies suggest the existence of a seismic type that is distinct from regular earthquakes—the slow self‐arresting rupture (SSAR). Unlike regular earthquakes that propagate dynamically following the initiation, The SSARs automatically arrest within the nucleation zone without interference. Additionally, numerical simulations indicate that SSARs exhibit a significantly lower energy release compared to regular earthquakes, while also exhibiting a relatively long source duration. Given these distinctive properties, comprehending the source processes of SSARs assumes great strategic importance. However, our current understanding of SSARs, particularly regarding their response to different frictional conditions and their correlation with natural phenomena, remains limited in scope. To further explore the intricacies of SSARs, we employ a three‐dimensional fully dynamic source model to simulate SSARs under various slip‐weakening frictional conditions. The findings indicate that SSARs occur in frictional environments characterized by large normalized critical slip distances, with the seismic source process being primarily influenced by this parameter. Apart from displaying significantly smaller average slip and stress drop, which are two to three orders of magnitude lower than those of regular earthquakes of comparable magnitude, SSARs also showcase a decrease in duration, seismic moment, slip rate, and stress drop as the normalized critical slip distance increases. The moment‐duration scaling law of SSARs exhibits a linear pattern. Moreover, the observation of slow earthquakes offers further implications for the presence of SSARs, indicating their potential association with a wider range of intricate seismic phenomena.