Basculant blocks behavior of the megathrust from the vertical gravity gradient derived from the GOCE satellite
Keywords:
GOCE satellite, megathrust earthquakes, rupture zones, vertical gravity gradient, co-seismic slip modelsAbstract
The study of the seismogenic behavior of the megathrust, the region where the largest earthquakes occur on a global scale, has been approached from different methodologies. With the advent of satellite gravimetry it has been possible to obtain models of the static and dynamic Earth’s gravitational field which have allowed mapping mass heterogeneities that significantly govern seismogenic behavior, as well as recording changes in the distribution of densities at the lithospheric scale related to the seismic cycle. After the occurrence of three of the largest ubduction earthquakes ever recorded, over the last ten years, we have studied the co-seismic behavior comparing slip models, degree of interseismic coupling, b-value and historical ruptures from direct models of the vertical gravity gradient. As a main result, we have been able to map both barriers to the propagation of seismic energy, generally associated with the subduction of high oceanic relief or forearc faults, as well as seismic asperities. In the latter is where the largest slip occurs along the fault plane when a seismic event takes place. As a general model we propose that the megathrust behaves like horst and grabben blocks where the latter produces the greatest coseismic displacement. During the interseismic period, these blocks subside, achieving a high degree of coupling with the subducting plate. On the contrary, horsts act as barriers or attenuators of seismic energy.
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