The role of gouge production in the seismic behavior of rough faults: A numerical study
arxiv(2024)
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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