DOI: 10.1029/2012GL054198
论文题名: Generic dependence of the frequency-size distribution of earthquakes on depth and its relation to the strength profile of the crust
作者: Spada M. ; Tormann T. ; Wiemer S. ; Enescu B.
刊名: Geophysical Research Letters
ISSN: 0094-9288
EISSN: 1944-9019
出版年: 2013
卷: 40, 期: 4 起始页码: 709
结束页码: 714
语种: 英语
英文关键词: b-value
; depth
; differential stress
; stress meter
Scopus关键词: Size distribution
; Structural geology
; Uncertainty analysis
; B value
; Brittle-ductile transition
; depth
; Differential stress
; Frequency-size distributions
; Negative correlation
; Regional earthquakes
; Stress meters
; Earthquakes
; continental lithosphere
; correlation
; earthquake
; fault zone
; probability
; regional pattern
; seismic property
; sensitivity analysis
; size distribution
; stress analysis
; California
; United States
英文摘要: We explore the idea that the relative size distribution of earthquakes, quantified using the so-called b-value, is negatively correlated with differential stress. Because the maximum possible differential stress increases linearly in the brittle upper crust, we expect to find a decrease of b with depth. We test this expectation for seven continental areas around the world, each of which is described by a regional earthquake catalog. We find a monotonic decrease in b-value between 5 and 15 km depth. The decrease stops near the brittle-ductile transition. We specifically focus on the high-quality catalogs of earthquakes in California to perform a sensitivity test with respect to depth uncertainty; we also estimate the probability-depth gradient for the occurrence of a target magnitude event and study the behavior of b with depth in near- and off-fault zones. We also translate the observed b-depth gradients into b-differential stress gradients. Our findings suggest that b-values are negatively correlated with differential stress and hus have the potential to act as stress meters in the Earth's crust. Key Points Generic decrease of b-values with depth Negative correlation between b-values and differential stress The b-value is acting as a stress meter ©2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved. URL: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84877941440&doi=10.1029%2f2012GL054198&partnerID=40&md5=3f733112d645ca72fb9a90aba430c93b
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资源类型: 期刊论文
标识符: http://119.78.100.158/handle/2HF3EXSE/6552
Appears in Collections: 气候减缓与适应
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作者单位: Swiss Seismological Service, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Recommended Citation:
Spada M.,Tormann T.,Wiemer S.,et al. Generic dependence of the frequency-size distribution of earthquakes on depth and its relation to the strength profile of the crust[J]. Geophysical Research Letters,2013-01-01,40(4).