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Investigation of Earthquake Nucleation Processes: A Case Study of the 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence

Description: 

Understanding the nucleation processes of earthquakes is crucial in seismology. The 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake sequence, notable for its high seismicity rate, complex fault interactions, and the occurrence of the significant mainshock (Mw7.1) with abundant foreshocks, provides a unique case for studying earthquake nucleation processes. Despite previous analyses and modeling of seismic data, there remains considerable debate regarding the specific triggers and fault interactions that led to the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes, indicating a crucial need for further investigation. We aim to examine the near-source structure and faulting environment in the Ridgecrest region by studying 83,000 events spanning five years before and after the Ridgecrest mainshock with their corresponding first arrival times and waveform data. We will construct a high-precision earthquake relocation catalog based on the three-dimensional seismic velocity model and waveform cross-correlation data. Furthermore, we plan to image the spatiotemporal evolution of the fault zone structures using a high-resolution in situ Vp/Vs method, offering potential new insights into the nucleation processes of the Ridgecrest earthquake. Our findings will shed light on the possible role of fluid dynamics and fault interactions in influencing the seismic behavior observed during the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence.

Session: Characteristics and Mechanics of Fault Zone Rupture Processes, from Micro to Macro Scales [Poster Session]

Type: Poster

Date: 5/2/2024

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Yidan

Student Presenter: Yes

Invited Presentation: 

Authors