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Numerical simulations of large earthquakes: Dynamic rupture propagation on heterogeneous faults

January 1, 2004

Our current conceptions of earthquake rupture dynamics, especially for large earthquakes, require knowledge of the geometry of the faults involved in the rupture, the material properties of the rocks surrounding the faults, the initial state of stress on the faults, and a constitutive formulation that determines when the faults can slip. In numerical simulations each of these factors appears to play a significant role in rupture propagation, at the kilometer length scale. Observational evidence of the earth indicates that at least the first three of the elements, geometry, material, and stress, can vary over many scale dimensions. Future research on earthquake rupture dynamics needs to consider at which length scales these features are significant in affecting rupture propagation. ?? Birkha??user Verlag, Basel, 2004.

Publication Year 2004
Title Numerical simulations of large earthquakes: Dynamic rupture propagation on heterogeneous faults
DOI 10.1007/s00024-004-2556-8
Authors R. A. Harris
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Pure and Applied Geophysics
Index ID 70026258
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse