Articles | Volume 16, issue 7
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-593-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-593-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
02 Jul 2025
Research article |
| 02 Jul 2025
| 02 Jul 2025
Importance of forearc topography for the triggering of aftershocks of megathrust earthquakes: insights from mechanical models and the Tohoku-Oki and Maule earthquakes
Armin Dielforder
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Institut für Erdsystemwissenschaften, Abteilung Geologie, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
now at: Institut für Geographie und Geologie, Universität Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
Gian Maria Bocchini
Institut für Geowissenschaften, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
Andrea Hampel
Institut für Erdsystemwissenschaften, Abteilung Geologie, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
Related subject area
Subject area: Tectonic plate interactions, magma genesis, and lithosphere deformation at all scales | Editorial team: Structural geology and tectonics, paleoseismology, rock physics, experimental deformation | Discipline: Tectonics
About the trustworthiness of physics-based machine learning – considerations for geomechanical applications
Relict landscape evolution and fault reactivation in the eastern Tian Shan: insights from the Harlik Mountains
Switching extensional and contractional tectonics in the West Kunlun Mountains during the Jurassic period: responses to the Neo-Tethyan geodynamics along the Eurasian margin
Influence of lateral heterogeneities on strike-slip fault behaviour: insights from analogue models
Importance of basement faulting and salt decoupling for the structural evolution of the Fars Arc (Zagros fold-and-thrust belt): a numerical modeling approach
Low-temperature thermochronology and its geological significance in the central and northern section of the western margin of the Ordos Basin
On the role of trans-lithospheric faults in the long-term seismotectonic segmentation of active margins: a case study in the Andes
Along-strike variation in volcanic addition controlling post-breakup sedimentary infill: Pelotas margin, austral South Atlantic
Stress state at faults: the influence of rock stiffness contrast, stress orientation, and ratio
Interseismic and long-term deformation of southeastern Sicily driven by the Ionian slab roll-back
Rift and plume: a discussion on active and passive rifting mechanisms in the Afro-Arabian rift based on synthesis of geophysical data
Propagating rifts: the roles of crustal damage and ascending mantle fluids
Cretaceous–Paleocene extension at the southwestern continental margin of India and opening of the Laccadive basin: constraints from geophysical data
Transpressional tectonics during the Variscan-Alpine cycle transition: supporting a multi-rifting model, evidence from the European western Southern Alps
Extensional exhumation of cratons: insights from the Early Cretaceous Rio Negro–Juruena belt (Amazonian Craton, Colombia)
Hydrogen solubility of stishovite provides insights into water transportation to the deep Earth
Networks of geometrically coherent faults accommodate Alpine tectonic inversion offshore southwestern Iberia
Melt-enhanced strain localization and phase mixing in a large-scale mantle shear zone (Ronda peridotite, Spain)
Selective inversion of rift basins in lithospheric-scale analogue experiments
The link between Somalian Plate rotation and the East African Rift System: an analogue modelling study
Inversion of extensional basins parallel and oblique to their boundaries: inferences from analogue models and field observations from the Dolomites Indenter, European eastern Southern Alps
Magnetic fabric analyses of basin inversion: a sandbox modelling approach
The influence of crustal strength on rift geometry and development – insights from 3D numerical modelling
Construction of the Ukrainian Carpathian wedge from low-temperature thermochronology and tectono-stratigraphic analysis
Analogue modelling of basin inversion: a review and future perspectives
Insights into the interaction of a shale with CO2
Tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Slyne Basin
Control of crustal strength, tectonic inheritance, and stretching/ shortening rates on crustal deformation and basin reactivation: insights from laboratory models
Late Cretaceous–early Palaeogene inversion-related tectonic structures at the northeastern margin of the Bohemian Massif (southwestern Poland and northern Czechia)
The analysis of slip tendency of major tectonic faults in Germany
Earthquake ruptures and topography of the Chilean margin controlled by plate interface deformation
Late Quaternary faulting in the southern Matese (Italy): implications for earthquake potential and slip rate variability in the southern Apennines
Rare earth elements associated with carbonatite–alkaline complexes in western Rajasthan, India: exploration targeting at regional scale
Structural complexities and tectonic barriers controlling recent seismic activity in the Pollino area (Calabria–Lucania, southern Italy) – constraints from stress inversion and 3D fault model building
The Mid Atlantic Appalachian Orogen Traverse: a comparison of virtual and on-location field-based capstone experiences
Chronology of thrust propagation from an updated tectono-sedimentary framework of the Miocene molasse (western Alps)
Orogenic lithosphere and slabs in the greater Alpine area – interpretations based on teleseismic P-wave tomography
Ground-penetrating radar signature of Quaternary faulting: a study from the Mt. Pollino region, southern Apennines, Italy
U–Pb dating of middle Eocene–Pliocene multiple tectonic pulses in the Alpine foreland
Detrital zircon provenance record of the Zagros mountain building from the Neotethys obduction to the Arabia–Eurasia collision, NW Zagros fold–thrust belt, Kurdistan region of Iraq
The Subhercynian Basin: an example of an intraplate foreland basin due to a broken plate
Late to post-Variscan basement segmentation and differential exhumation along the SW Bohemian Massif, central Europe
Holocene surface-rupturing earthquakes on the Dinaric Fault System, western Slovenia
Contribution of gravity gliding in salt-bearing rift basins – a new experimental setup for simulating salt tectonics under the influence of sub-salt extension and tilting
Thick- and thin-skinned basin inversion in the Danish Central Graben, North Sea – the role of deep evaporites and basement kinematics
Complex rift patterns, a result of interacting crustal and mantle weaknesses, or multiphase rifting? Insights from analogue models
Interactions of plutons and detachments: a comparison of Aegean and Tyrrhenian granitoids
Insights from elastic thermobarometry into exhumation of high-pressure metamorphic rocks from Syros, Greece
Stress rotation – impact and interaction of rock stiffness and faults
Late Cretaceous to Paleogene exhumation in central Europe – localized inversion vs. large-scale domal uplift
Denise Degen, Moritz Ziegler, Oliver Heidbach, Andreas Henk, Karsten Reiter, and Florian Wellmann
Solid Earth, 16, 477–502, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-477-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-477-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Obtaining reliable estimates of the subsurface state distributions is essential to determine the location of, e.g., potential nuclear waste disposal sites. However, providing these is challenging since it requires solving the problem numerous times, yielding high computational cost. To overcome this, we use a physics-based machine learning method to construct surrogate models. We demonstrate how it produces physics-preserving predictions, which differentiates it from purely data-driven approaches.
Zihao Zhao, Tianyi Shen, Guocan Wang, Peter van der Beek, Yabo Zhou, and Cheng Ma
Solid Earth, 16, 503–530, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-503-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-503-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study examines the evolution of the Harlik Mountains in the eastern Tian Shan. Low-relief surfaces were formed by the Early Cretaceous erosion and subsequent tectonic stability. Later fault activity segmented these surfaces, with uplift and tilting in the Cenozoic driven by tectonic reactivation. These findings provide insights into how landscapes evolve in response to geological and environmental changes over millions of years.
Hong-Xiang Wu, Han-Lin Chen, Andrew V. Zuza, Yildirim Dilek, Du-Wei Qiu, Qi-Ye Lu, Feng-Qi Zhang, Xiao-Gan Cheng, and Xiu-Bin Lin
Solid Earth, 16, 155–177, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-155-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-155-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The Tethyan orogenic belt records an extensive history of subduction along the southern margin of Eurasia. We examine the magmatism, stratigraphy, and sedimentary provenance of the Jurassic basin in the West Kunlun Mountains, highlighting the switching extensional and contractional tectonic episodes in central Asia. The complex evolution was related to the subduction of the Neo-Tethys Ocean, transitioning from southward retreat to northward flat-slab advancement.
Sandra González-Muñoz, Guido Schreurs, Timothy C. Schmid, and Fidel Martín-González
Solid Earth, 15, 1509–1523, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1509-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1509-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This work investigates how strike-slip faults propagate across domains with lateral contrasting brittle strength using analogue models. The introduction of brittle vertical domains was achieved using quartz microbead sand. The reference vertical domains influence synthetic fault propagation, segmentation, and linkage, as well as the antithetic faults which rotate about a vertical axis due to the applied simple shear. The results aligned with the faults in the NW of the Iberian Peninsula.
Fatemeh Gomar, Jonas B. Ruh, Mahdi Najafi, and Farhad Sobouti
Solid Earth, 15, 1479–1507, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1479-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1479-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Our study investigates the structural evolution of the Fars Arc in the Zagros Mountains through numerical modeling. We focus on the effects of the interaction between basement faults and salt décollement levels during tectonic inversion, including a rifting and a convergence phase. In conclusion, our results emphasize the importance of considering fault geometry, salt rheology, and basement involvement in understanding the resistance to deformation and the seismic behavior of fold–thrust belts.
Guangyuan Xing, Zhanli Ren, Kai Qi, Sasa Guo, Yanzhao Liu, Ying Zhang, and Huaping Lan
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3191, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3191, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we accurately constrain the uplift and cooling history of the central and northern western Ordos Basin using apatite fission tracks and (U-Th)/He dating methods, and reveal significant differences in the timing and intensity of uplift in different regions. These findings highlight spatial differences in the timing and rate of uplift in the western Ordos Basin. This suggests that the Yanshan orogenic movement had the most significant tectonic influence on the study area.
Gonzalo Yanez C., Jose Piquer R., and Orlando Rivera H.
Solid Earth, 15, 1319–1342, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1319-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1319-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We postulate that the observed spatial distribution of large earthquakes in active convergence zones, organised in segments where large events are repeated every 100–300 years, depends on large-scale continental faults and fluid release from the subducting slab. In order to support this model, we use proxies at different spatial and temporal scales (historic seismicity, megathrust slip solutions, inter-seismic cumulative seismicity, GPS/viscous plate coupling, and coastline morphology).
Marlise C. Cassel, Nick Kusznir, Gianreto Manatschal, and Daniel Sauter
Solid Earth, 15, 1265–1279, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1265-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1265-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We investigate the along-strike variation in volcanics on the Pelotas segment of the Brazilian margin created during continental breakup and formation of the southern South Atlantic. We show that the volume of volcanics strongly controls the amount of space available for post-breakup sedimentation. We also show that breakup varies along-strike from very magma-rich to magma-normal within a relatively short distance of less than 300 km. This is not as expected from a simple mantle plume model.
Moritz O. Ziegler, Robin Seithel, Thomas Niederhuber, Oliver Heidbach, Thomas Kohl, Birgit Müller, Mojtaba Rajabi, Karsten Reiter, and Luisa Röckel
Solid Earth, 15, 1047–1063, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1047-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1047-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The rotation of the principal stress axes in a fault structure because of a rock stiffness contrast has been investigated for the impact of the ratio of principal stresses, the angle between principal stress axes and fault strike, and the ratio of the rock stiffness contrast. A generic 2D geomechanical model is employed for the systematic investigation of the parameter space.
Amélie Viger, Stéphane Dominguez, Stéphane Mazzotti, Michel Peyret, Maxime Henriquet, Giovanni Barreca, Carmelo Monaco, and Adrien Damon
Solid Earth, 15, 965–988, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-965-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-965-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
New satellite geodetic data (PS-InSAR) evidence a generalized subsidence and an eastward tilting of southeastern Sicily combined with a local relative uplift along its eastern coast. We perform flexural and elastic modeling and show that the slab pull force induced by the Ionian slab roll-back and extrado deformation reproduce the measured surface deformation. Finally, we propose an original seismic cycle model that is mainly driven by the southward migration of the Ionian slab roll-back.
Ran Issachar, Peter Haas, Nico Augustin, and Jörg Ebbing
Solid Earth, 15, 807–826, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-807-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-807-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this contribution, we explore the causal relationship between the arrival of the Afar plume and the initiation of the Afro-Arabian rift. We mapped the rift architecture in the triple-junction region using geophysical data and reviewed the available geological data. We interpret a progressive development of the plume–rift system and suggest an interaction between active and passive mechanisms in which the plume provided a push force that changed the kinematics of the associated plates.
Folarin Kolawole and Rasheed Ajala
Solid Earth, 15, 747–762, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-747-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-747-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We investigate the upper-crustal structure of the Rukwa–Tanganyika rift zone in East Africa, where the Tanganyika rift interacts with the Rukwa and Mweru-Wantipa rifts, coinciding with abundant seismicity at the rift tips. Seismic velocity structure and patterns of seismicity clustering reveal zones around 10 km deep with anomalously high Vp / Vs ratios at the rift tips, indicative of a localized mechanically weakened crust caused by mantle volatiles and damage associated with bending strain.
Mathews George Gilbert, Parakkal Unnikrishnan, and Munukutla Radhakrishna
Solid Earth, 15, 671–682, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-671-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-671-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The study identifies evidence for extension south of Tellicherry Arch along the southwestern continental margin of India through the integrated analysis of multichannel seismic and gravity data. The sediment deposition pattern indicates that this extension occurred after the Eocene. We further propose that the anticlockwise rotation of India and the passage of the Réunion plume have facilitated the opening of the Laccadive basin.
Emanuele Scaramuzzo, Franz A. Livio, Maria Giuditta Fellin, and Colin Maden
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1135, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1135, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The theory of plate tectonics postulates that the opening and closure of an ocean are tied together into a cycle, namely the Wilson cycle. The rocks exposed in the western Southern Alps preserve the geologic record of two Wilson cycles: an earlier one, which led to the formation of the Variscan orogen, and the recent one, which led to the formation of the European Alps. We delved into this transition, and we found that it did not occur smoothly but through several abrupt changes.
Ana Fonseca, Simon Nachtergaele, Amed Bonilla, Stijn Dewaele, and Johan De Grave
Solid Earth, 15, 329–352, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-329-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-329-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study explores the erosion and exhumation processes and history of early continental crust hidden within the Amazonian Rainforest. This crust forms part of the Amazonian Craton, an ancient continental fragment. Our surprising findings reveal the area underwent rapid early Cretaceous exhumation triggered by tectonic forces. This discovery challenges the traditional perception that cratons are stable and long-lived entities and shows they can deform readily under specific geological contexts.
Mengdan Chen, Changxin Yin, Danling Chen, Long Tian, Liang Liu, and Lei Kang
Solid Earth, 15, 215–227, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-215-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-215-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Stishovite remains stable under mantle conditions and can incorporate various amounts of water in its crystal structure. We provide a systematic review of previous studies on water in stishovite and propose a new model for water solubility of Al-bearing stishovite. Calculation results based on this model suggest that stishovite may effectively accommodate water from the breakdown of hydrous minerals and could make an important contribution to water enrichment in the mantle transition zone.
Tiago M. Alves
Solid Earth, 15, 39–62, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-39-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-39-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Alpine tectonic inversion is reviewed for southwestern Iberia, known for its historical earthquakes and tsunamis. High-quality 2D seismic data image 26 faults mapped to a depth exceeding 10 km. Normal faults accommodated important vertical uplift and shortening. They are 100–250 km long and may generate earthquakes with Mw > 8.0. Regions of Late Mesozoic magmatism comprise thickened, harder crust, forming lateral buttresses to compression and promoting the development of fold-and-thrust belts.
Sören Tholen, Jolien Linckens, and Gernold Zulauf
Solid Earth, 14, 1123–1154, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1123-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1123-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Intense phase mixing with homogeneously distributed secondary phases and irregular grain boundaries and shapes indicates that metasomatism formed the microstructures predominant in the shear zone of the NW Ronda peridotite. Amphibole presence, olivine crystal orientations, and the consistency to the Beni Bousera peridotite (Morocco) point to OH-bearing metasomatism by small fractions of evolved melts. Results confirm a strong link between reactions and localized deformation in the upper mantle.
Anindita Samsu, Weronika Gorczyk, Timothy Chris Schmid, Peter Graham Betts, Alexander Ramsay Cruden, Eleanor Morton, and Fatemeh Amirpoorsaeed
Solid Earth, 14, 909–936, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-909-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-909-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
When a continent is pulled apart, it breaks and forms a series of depressions called rift basins. These basins lie above weakened crust that is then subject to intense deformation during subsequent tectonic compression. Our analogue experiments show that when a system of basins is squeezed in a direction perpendicular to the main trend of the basins, some basins rise up to form mountains while others do not.
Frank Zwaan and Guido Schreurs
Solid Earth, 14, 823–845, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-823-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-823-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The East African Rift System (EARS) is a major plate tectonic feature splitting the African continent apart. Understanding the tectonic processes involved is of great importance for societal and economic reasons (natural hazards, resources). Laboratory experiments allow us to simulate these large-scale processes, highlighting the links between rotational plate motion and the overall development of the EARS. These insights are relevant when studying other rift systems around the globe as well.
Anna-Katharina Sieberer, Ernst Willingshofer, Thomas Klotz, Hugo Ortner, and Hannah Pomella
Solid Earth, 14, 647–681, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-647-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-647-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Through analogue models and field observations, we investigate how inherited platform–basin geometries control strain localisation, style, and orientation of reactivated and new structures during inversion. Our study shows that the style of evolving thrusts and their changes along-strike are controlled by pre-existing rheological discontinuities. The results of this study are relevant for understanding inversion structures in general and for the European eastern Southern Alps in particular.
Thorben Schöfisch, Hemin Koyi, and Bjarne Almqvist
Solid Earth, 14, 447–461, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-447-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-447-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
A magnetic fabric analysis provides information about the reorientation of magnetic grains and is applied to three sandbox models that simulate different stages of basin inversion. The analysed magnetic fabrics reflect the different developed structures and provide insights into the different deformed stages of basin inversion. It is a first attempt of applying magnetic fabric analyses to basin inversion sandbox models but shows the possibility of applying it to such models.
Thomas B. Phillips, John B. Naliboff, Ken J. W. McCaffrey, Sophie Pan, Jeroen van Hunen, and Malte Froemchen
Solid Earth, 14, 369–388, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-369-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-369-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Continental crust comprises bodies of varying strength, formed through numerous tectonic events. When subject to extension, these areas produce distinct rift and fault systems. We use 3D models to examine how rifts form above
strongand
weakareas of crust. We find that faults become more developed in weak areas. Faults are initially stopped at the boundaries with stronger areas before eventually breaking through. We relate our model observations to rift systems globally.
Marion Roger, Arjan de Leeuw, Peter van der Beek, Laurent Husson, Edward R. Sobel, Johannes Glodny, and Matthias Bernet
Solid Earth, 14, 153–179, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-153-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-153-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We study the construction of the Ukrainian Carpathians with LT thermochronology (AFT, AHe, and ZHe) and stratigraphic analysis. QTQt thermal models are combined with burial diagrams to retrieve the timing and magnitude of sedimentary burial, tectonic burial, and subsequent exhumation of the wedge's nappes from 34 to ∼12 Ma. Out-of-sequence thrusting and sediment recycling during wedge building are also identified. This elucidates the evolution of a typical wedge in a roll-back subduction zone.
Frank Zwaan, Guido Schreurs, Susanne J. H. Buiter, Oriol Ferrer, Riccardo Reitano, Michael Rudolf, and Ernst Willingshofer
Solid Earth, 13, 1859–1905, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1859-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1859-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
When a sedimentary basin is subjected to compressional tectonic forces after its formation, it may be inverted. A thorough understanding of such
basin inversionis of great importance for scientific, societal, and economic reasons, and analogue tectonic models form a key part of our efforts to study these processes. We review the advances in the field of basin inversion modelling, showing how the modelling results can be applied, and we identify promising venues for future research.
Eleni Stavropoulou and Lyesse Laloui
Solid Earth, 13, 1823–1841, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1823-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1823-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Shales are identified as suitable caprock formations for geolocigal CO2 storage thanks to their low permeability. Here, small-sized shale samples are studied under field-representative conditions with X-ray tomography. The geochemical impact of CO2 on calcite-rich zones is for the first time visualised, the role of pre-existing micro-fissures in the CO2 invasion trapping in the matererial is highlighted, and the initiation of micro-cracks when in contact with anhydrous CO2 is demonstrated.
Conor M. O'Sullivan, Conrad J. Childs, Muhammad M. Saqab, John J. Walsh, and Patrick M. Shannon
Solid Earth, 13, 1649–1671, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1649-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1649-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The Slyne Basin is a sedimentary basin located offshore north-western Ireland. It formed through a long and complex evolution involving distinct periods of extension. The basin is subdivided into smaller basins, separated by deep structures related to the ancient Caledonian mountain-building event. These deep structures influence the shape of the basin as it evolves in a relatively unique way, where early faults follow these deep structures, but later faults do not.
Benjamin Guillaume, Guido M. Gianni, Jean-Jacques Kermarrec, and Khaled Bock
Solid Earth, 13, 1393–1414, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1393-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1393-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Under tectonic forces, the upper part of the crust can break along different types of faults, depending on the orientation of the applied stresses. Using scaled analogue models, we show that the relative magnitude of compressional and extensional forces as well as the presence of inherited structures resulting from previous stages of deformation control the location and type of faults. Our results gives insights into the tectonic evolution of areas showing complex patterns of deformation.
Andrzej Głuszyński and Paweł Aleksandrowski
Solid Earth, 13, 1219–1242, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1219-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1219-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Old seismic data recently reprocessed with modern software allowed us to study at depth the Late Cretaceous tectonic structures in the Permo-Mesozoic rock sequences in the Sudetes. The structures formed in response to Iberia collision with continental Europe. The NE–SW compression undulated the crystalline basement top and produced folds, faults and joints in the sedimentary cover. Our results are of importance for regional geology and in prospecting for deep thermal waters.
Luisa Röckel, Steffen Ahlers, Birgit Müller, Karsten Reiter, Oliver Heidbach, Andreas Henk, Tobias Hergert, and Frank Schilling
Solid Earth, 13, 1087–1105, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1087-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1087-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Reactivation of tectonic faults can lead to earthquakes and jeopardize underground operations. The reactivation potential is linked to fault properties and the tectonic stress field. We create 3D geometries for major faults in Germany and use stress data from a 3D geomechanical–numerical model to calculate their reactivation potential and compare it to seismic events. The reactivation potential in general is highest for NNE–SSW- and NW–SE-striking faults and strongly depends on the fault dip.
Nadaya Cubas, Philippe Agard, and Roxane Tissandier
Solid Earth, 13, 779–792, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-779-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-779-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Earthquake extent prediction is limited by our poor understanding of slip deficit patterns. From a mechanical analysis applied along the Chilean margin, we show that earthquakes are bounded by extensive plate interface deformation. This deformation promotes stress build-up, leading to earthquake nucleation; earthquakes then propagate along smoothed fault planes and are stopped by heterogeneously distributed deformation. Slip deficit patterns reflect the spatial distribution of this deformation.
Paolo Boncio, Eugenio Auciello, Vincenzo Amato, Pietro Aucelli, Paola Petrosino, Anna C. Tangari, and Brian R. Jicha
Solid Earth, 13, 553–582, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-553-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-553-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We studied the Gioia Sannitica normal fault (GF) within the southern Matese fault system (SMF) in southern Apennines (Italy). It is a fault with a long slip history that has experienced recent reactivation or acceleration. Present activity has resulted in late Quaternary fault scarps and Holocene surface faulting. The maximum slip rate is ~ 0.5 mm/yr. Activation of the 11.5 km GF or the entire 30 km SMF can produce up to M 6.2 or M 6.8 earthquakes, respectively.
Malcolm Aranha, Alok Porwal, Manikandan Sundaralingam, Ignacio González-Álvarez, Amber Markan, and Karunakar Rao
Solid Earth, 13, 497–518, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-497-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-497-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Rare earth elements (REEs) are considered critical mineral resources for future industrial growth due to their short supply and rising demand. This study applied an artificial-intelligence-based technique to target potential REE-deposit hosting areas in western Rajasthan, India. Uncertainties associated with the prospective targets were also estimated to aid decision-making. The presented workflow can be applied to similar regions elsewhere to locate potential zones of REE mineralisation.
Daniele Cirillo, Cristina Totaro, Giusy Lavecchia, Barbara Orecchio, Rita de Nardis, Debora Presti, Federica Ferrarini, Simone Bello, and Francesco Brozzetti
Solid Earth, 13, 205–228, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-205-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-205-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The Pollino region is a highly seismic area of Italy. Increasing the geological knowledge on areas like this contributes to reducing risk and saving lives. We reconstruct the 3D model of the faults which generated the 2010–2014 seismicity integrating geological and seismological data. Appropriate relationships based on the dimensions of the activated faults suggest that they did not fully discharge their seismic potential and could release further significant earthquakes in the near future.
Steven Whitmeyer, Lynn Fichter, Anita Marshall, and Hannah Liddle
Solid Earth, 12, 2803–2820, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2803-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2803-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Field trips in the Stratigraphy, Structure, Tectonics (SST) course transitioned to a virtual format in Fall 2020, due to the COVID pandemic. Virtual field experiences (VFEs) were developed in web Google Earth and were evaluated in comparison with on-location field trips via an online survey. Students recognized the value of VFEs for revisiting outcrops and noted improved accessibility for students with disabilities. Potential benefits of hybrid field experiences were also indicated.
Amir Kalifi, Philippe Hervé Leloup, Philippe Sorrel, Albert Galy, François Demory, Vincenzo Spina, Bastien Huet, Frédéric Quillévéré, Frédéric Ricciardi, Daniel Michoux, Kilian Lecacheur, Romain Grime, Bernard Pittet, and Jean-Loup Rubino
Solid Earth, 12, 2735–2771, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2735-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2735-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Molasse deposits, deposited and deformed at the western Alpine front during the Miocene (23 to 5.6 Ma), record the chronology of that deformation. We combine the first precise chronostratigraphy (precision of ∼0.5 Ma) of the Miocene molasse, the reappraisal of the regional structure, and the analysis of growth deformation structures in order to document three tectonic phases and the precise chronology of thrust westward propagation during the second one involving the Belledonne basal thrust.
Mark R. Handy, Stefan M. Schmid, Marcel Paffrath, Wolfgang Friederich, and the AlpArray Working Group
Solid Earth, 12, 2633–2669, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2633-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2633-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
New images from the multi-national AlpArray experiment illuminate the Alps from below. They indicate thick European mantle descending beneath the Alps and forming blobs that are mostly detached from the Alps above. In contrast, the Adriatic mantle in the Alps is much thinner. This difference helps explain the rugged mountains and the abundance of subducted and exhumed units at the core of the Alps. The blobs are stretched remnants of old ocean and its margins that reach down to at least 410 km.
Maurizio Ercoli, Daniele Cirillo, Cristina Pauselli, Harry M. Jol, and Francesco Brozzetti
Solid Earth, 12, 2573–2596, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2573-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2573-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Past strong earthquakes can produce topographic deformations, often
memorizedin Quaternary sediments, which are typically studied by paleoseismologists through trenching. Using a ground-penetrating radar (GPR), we unveiled possible buried Quaternary faulting in the Mt. Pollino seismic gap region (southern Italy). We aim to contribute to seismic hazard assessment of an area potentially prone to destructive events as well as promote our workflow in similar contexts around the world.
Luca Smeraglia, Nathan Looser, Olivier Fabbri, Flavien Choulet, Marcel Guillong, and Stefano M. Bernasconi
Solid Earth, 12, 2539–2551, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2539-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2539-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
In this paper, we dated fault movements at geological timescales which uplifted the sedimentary successions of the Jura Mountains from below the sea level up to Earth's surface. To do so, we applied the novel technique of U–Pb geochronology on calcite mineralizations that precipitated on fault surfaces during times of tectonic activity. Our results document a time frame of the tectonic evolution of the Jura Mountains and provide new insight into the broad geological history of the Western Alps.
Renas I. Koshnaw, Fritz Schlunegger, and Daniel F. Stockli
Solid Earth, 12, 2479–2501, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2479-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2479-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
As continental plates collide, mountain belts grow. This study investigated the provenance of rocks from the northwestern segment of the Zagros mountain belt to unravel the convergence history of the Arabian and Eurasian plates. Provenance data synthesis and field relationships suggest that the Zagros Mountains developed as a result of the oceanic crust emplacement on the Arabian continental plate, followed by the Arabia–Eurasia collision and later uplift of the broader region.
David Hindle and Jonas Kley
Solid Earth, 12, 2425–2438, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2425-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2425-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Central western Europe underwent a strange episode of lithospheric deformation, resulting in a chain of small mountains that run almost west–east across the continent and that formed in the middle of a tectonic plate, not at its edges as is usually expected. Associated with these mountains, in particular the Harz in central Germany, are marine basins contemporaneous with the mountain growth. We explain how those basins came to be as a result of the mountains bending the adjacent plate.
Andreas Eberts, Hamed Fazlikhani, Wolfgang Bauer, Harald Stollhofen, Helga de Wall, and Gerald Gabriel
Solid Earth, 12, 2277–2301, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2277-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2277-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We combine gravity anomaly and topographic data with observations from thermochronology, metamorphic grades, and the granite inventory to detect patterns of basement block segmentation and differential exhumation along the southwestern Bohemian Massif. Based on our analyses, we introduce a previously unknown tectonic structure termed Cham Fault, which, together with the Pfahl and Danube shear zones, is responsible for the exposure of different crustal levels during late to post-Variscan times.
Christoph Grützner, Simone Aschenbrenner, Petra Jamšek
Rupnik, Klaus Reicherter, Nour Saifelislam, Blaž Vičič, Marko Vrabec, Julian Welte, and Kamil Ustaszewski
Solid Earth, 12, 2211–2234, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2211-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2211-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Several large strike-slip faults in western Slovenia are known to be active, but most of them have not produced strong earthquakes in historical times. In this study we use geomorphology, near-surface geophysics, and fault excavations to show that two of these faults had surface-rupturing earthquakes during the Holocene. Instrumental and historical seismicity data do not capture the strongest events in this area.
Michael Warsitzka, Prokop Závada, Fabian Jähne-Klingberg, and Piotr Krzywiec
Solid Earth, 12, 1987–2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1987-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1987-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
A new analogue modelling approach was used to simulate the influence of tectonic extension and tilting of the basin floor on salt tectonics in rift basins. Our results show that downward salt flow and gravity gliding takes place if the flanks of the rift basin are tilted. Thus, extension occurs at the basin margins, which is compensated for by reduced extension and later by shortening in the graben centre. These outcomes improve the reconstruction of salt-related structures in rift basins.
Torsten Hundebøl Hansen, Ole Rønø Clausen, and Katrine Juul Andresen
Solid Earth, 12, 1719–1747, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1719-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1719-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We have analysed the role of deep salt layers during tectonic shortening of a group of sedimentary basins buried below the North Sea. Due to the ability of salt to flow over geological timescales, the salt layers are much weaker than the surrounding rocks during tectonic deformation. Therefore, complex structures formed mainly where salt was present in our study area. Our results align with findings from other basins and experiments, underlining the importance of salt tectonics.
Frank Zwaan, Pauline Chenin, Duncan Erratt, Gianreto Manatschal, and Guido Schreurs
Solid Earth, 12, 1473–1495, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1473-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1473-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We used laboratory experiments to simulate the early evolution of rift systems, and the influence of structural weaknesses left over from previous tectonic events that can localize new deformation. We find that the orientation and type of such weaknesses can induce complex structures with different orientations during a single phase of rifting, instead of requiring multiple rifting phases. These findings provide a strong incentive to reassess the tectonic history of various natural examples.
Laurent Jolivet, Laurent Arbaret, Laetitia Le Pourhiet, Florent Cheval-Garabédian, Vincent Roche, Aurélien Rabillard, and Loïc Labrousse
Solid Earth, 12, 1357–1388, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1357-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1357-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Although viscosity of the crust largely exceeds that of magmas, we show, based on the Aegean and Tyrrhenian Miocene syn-kinematic plutons, how the intrusion of granites in extensional contexts is controlled by crustal deformation, from magmatic stage to cold mylonites. We show that a simple numerical setup with partial melting in the lower crust in an extensional context leads to the formation of metamorphic core complexes and low-angle detachments reproducing the observed evolution of plutons.
Miguel Cisneros, Jaime D. Barnes, Whitney M. Behr, Alissa J. Kotowski, Daniel F. Stockli, and Konstantinos Soukis
Solid Earth, 12, 1335–1355, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1335-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1335-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Constraining the conditions at which rocks form is crucial for understanding geologic processes. For years, the conditions under which rocks from Syros, Greece, formed have remained enigmatic; yet these rocks are fundamental for understanding processes occurring at the interface between colliding tectonic plates (subduction zones). Here, we constrain conditions under which these rocks formed and show they were transported to the surface adjacent to the down-going (subducting) tectonic plate.
Karsten Reiter
Solid Earth, 12, 1287–1307, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1287-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1287-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The influence and interaction of elastic material properties (Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio), density and low-friction faults on the resulting far-field stress pattern in the Earth's crust is tested with generic models. A Young's modulus contrast can lead to a significant stress rotation. Discontinuities with low friction in homogeneous models change the stress pattern only slightly, away from the fault. In addition, active discontinuities are able to compensate stress rotation.
Hilmar von Eynatten, Jonas Kley, István Dunkl, Veit-Enno Hoffmann, and Annemarie Simon
Solid Earth, 12, 935–958, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-935-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-935-2021, 2021
Cited articles
ABAQUS: Analysis User's Manual, Version 6.14, Dassault Systems Simulia, Inc. [code], http://62.108.178.35:2080/v6.14/index.html (last access: 26 June 2025), 2014.
Allmann, B. P. and Shearer, P. M.: Global variations of stress drop for moderate to large earthquakes, J. Geophys. Res., 114, B01310, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008JB005821, 2009.
Amante, C. and Eakins, B. W.: ETOPO1 1 Arc-Minute Global Relief model, NOAA Technical Memorandum, https://doi.org/10.7289/V5C8276M, 2009.
Angiboust, S., Kirsch, J., Oncken, O., Glodny, J., Monié, P., and Rybacki, E.: Probing the transition between seismically coupled and decoupled segments along an ancienct subduction interface, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 16, 1905–1922, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015GC005776, 2015.
Asano, Y., Saito, T., Ito, Y., Shiomi, K., Hirose, H., Matsumoto, T., Aoi, S., Hori, S., and Sekiguchi, S.: Spatial distribution and focal mechanisms of aftershocks of the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake, Earth Planets Space, 63, 669–673, https://doi.org/10.5047/eps.2011.06.016, 2011.
Bagge, M. and Hampel, A.: Three-dimensional finite-element modelling of coseismic Coulomb stress changes on intra-continental dip-slip faults, Tectonophysics, 684, 52–62, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2015.10.006, 2016.
Bagge, M. and Hampel, A.: Postseismic Coulomb stress changes on intra-continental dip-slip faults due to viscoelastic relaxation in the lower crust and lithospheric mantle: insights from 3D finite-element modelling, Int. J. Earth Sci., 106, 2895–2914, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-017-1467-8, 2017.
Bagge, M., Hampel, A., and Gold, R. D.: Modeling the Holocene slip history of the Wasatch fault (Utah): Coseismic and postseismic Coulomb stress changes and implications ofr paleoseismcity and seismic hazard, Geol. Soc. Am. Bull., 131, 43–57, https://doi.org/10.1130/B31906.1, 2018.
Becker, T. W., Hashima, A., Freed, A. M., and Sato, H.: Stress change before and after the 2011 M9 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 504, 174–184, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2018.09.035, 2018.
Bedford, J., Moreno, M., Li, S., Oncken, O., Baez, J. C., Bevis, M., Heidbach, O., and Lange, D.: Separating rapid relocking, afterslip, and viscoelastic relaxation: An application of the postseismic straightening method to the Maule 2010 cGPS, J. Geophys. Res., 121, 7618–7638, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JB013093, 2016.
Belardinelli, M. E., Bizzarri, A., and Cocco, M.: Earthquake triggering by static and dynamic stress changes, J. Geophys. Res., 108, 2135, https://doi.org/10.1029/2002JB001779, 2003.
Benavente, R. and Cummins, P. R.: Simple and reliable finite fault solutions for large earthquakes using the W-phase: The Maule (Mw=8.8) and Tohoku (Mw=9.0) earthquakes, Geophys. Res. Lett., 40, 3591–3595, https://doi.org/10.1002/grl.50648, 2013.
Bilek, S. L. and Lay, T.: Tsunami earthquakes possibly widespread manifestations of frictional conditional stability, Geophys. Res. Lett., 29, 1673, https://doi.org/10.1029/2002GL015215, 2002.
Bird, P.: Stress and temperature in subduction shear zones: Tonga and Mariana, Geophys. J. Int., 55, 411–434, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.1978.tb04280.x, 1978.
Brace, W. F.: Volume changes during fracture and frictional sliding: A review, Pageoph, 116, 603–614, 1978.
Brodsky, E. E., Mori, J. J., Anderson, L., Chester, F. M., Conin, M., Dunham, E. M., Eguchi, N., Fulton, P. M., Hino, R., Hirose, T., Ikai, M. J., Ishikawa, T., Jeppson, T., Kano, Y., Kirkpatrick, J., Kodaira, S., Lin, W., Nakamura, Y., Rabinowitz, H. S., Regalla, C., Remitti, F., Rowe, C., Saffer, D. M., Saito, S., Sample, J., Sanada, Y., Savage, H. M., Sun, T., Toczko, S., Ujiie, K., Wolfson-Schwehr, M., and Yang, T.: The state of stress on the fault before, during, and after a major earthquake, Annu. Rev. Earth Pl. Sc., 48, 49–74, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-earth-053018-060507, 2020.
Brown, L., Wang, K., and Sun, T.: Static stress drop in the Mw 9 Tohoku-oki earthquake: Heterogeneous distribution and low average value, Geophys. Res. Lett., 42, 10595–10600, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015GL066361, 2015.
Calle-Gardella, D., Comte, D., Farías, M., Roecker, S., and Rietbrock, A.: Three-dimensional local earthquake tomography of pre-Cenozoic structures in the coastal margin of central Chile: Pichilemu fault system, J. Seismol., 25, 521–533, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10950-021-09989-w, 2021.
Cerchiari, A., Remitti, F., Mittempergher, S., Festa, A., Lugli, F., and Cipriani, A.: Cyclical variations of fluid sources and stress state in a shallow megathrust-zone mélange, J. Geol. Soc., 177, 647–659, https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2019-072, 2020.
Chiba, K., Iio, Y., and Fukahata, Y.: Detailed stress fields in the focal region of the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake – Implication for the distribution of moment release –, Earth Planets Space, 64, 1157–1165, https://doi.org/10.5047/eps.2012.07.008, 2013.
Cocco, M. and Rice, J. R.: Pore pressure and poroelasticity effects in Coulomb stress analysis of earthquake interactions, J. Geophys. Res., 107, 2030, https://doi.org/10.1029/2000JB000138, 2002.
Crameri, F., Shephard, G. E., and Heron, P. J.: The misuse of colour in science communication, Nat. Commun., 11, 5444, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-19160-7, 2020.
Cubas, N., Avouac, J.-P., Leroy, Y. M., and Pons, A.: Low friction along the high slip patch of the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake required from the wedge structure and extensional splay faults, Geophys. Res. Lett., 40, 4231–4237, https://doi.org/10.1002/grl.50682, 2013.
Dahlen, F. A.: Noncohesive critical Coulomb wedges: An exact solution, J. Geophys. Res., 89, 10125–10133, 1984.
Delouis, B., Nocquet, J. M., and Vallée, M.: Slip distribution of the February 27, 2010 Mw=8.8 Maule earthquake, Central Chile, from static and high-rate GPS, InSAR, and broadband teleseismic data, Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L17305, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010GL043899, 2010.
Dewey, J. W., Choy, G., Presgrave, B., Sipkin, S., Tarr, A. C., Benz, H., Earle, P., and Wald, D.: Seismicity associated with the Sumatra–Andaman Islands earthquake of 26 December 2004, B. Seismol. Soc. Am., 97, S25–S42, https://doi.org/10.1785/0120050626, 2007.
Diao, F., Xiong, X., Wang, R., Zheng, Y., Walter, T. R., Weng, H., and Li, J.: Overlapping post-seismic deformation processes: Afterslip and viscoelastic relaxation following the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku (Japan) earthquake, Geophys. J. Int., 196, 218–229, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggt376, 2014.
Dielforder, A.: Constraining the strength of megathrusts from fault geometries and application to the Alpine collision zone, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 474, 49–58, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2017.06.021, 2017.
Dielforder, A. and Hampel, A.: Force-balance analysis of stress changes during the subduction-collision transition and implications for the rise of mountain belts, J. Geophys. Res., 126, e2020JB020914, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JB020914, 2021.
Dielforder, A., Hetzel, R., and Oncken, O.: Megathrust shear force controls mountain height at convergent plate margins, Nature, 582, 225–229, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2340-7, 2020.
Dielforder, A., Bocchini, G. M., Kemna, K., Hampel, A., Harrington, R. M., and Oncken, O.: Megathrust stress drop as trigger of aftershock seismicity: Insights from the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, Japan, Geophys. Res. Lett., 50, e2022GL101320, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GL101320, 2023.
Dielforder, A., Bocchini, G. M., and Hampel, A.: Topography_CFS, LUIS [data set], https://doi.org/10.25835/hbxp5xp0, 2024.
Farías, M., Comte, D., Roecker, S., Carrizo, D., and Pardo, M.: Crustal extensional faulting triggered by the 2010 Chilean earthquake: The Pichilemu Seismic Sequence, Tectonics, 30, TC6010, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011TC002888, 2011.
Freed, A. M. and Lin, J.: Time-dependent changes in failure stress following thrust earthquakes, J. Geophys. Res., 103, 24393–24409, https://doi.org/10.1029/98JB01764, 1998.
Fukushima, Y., Takada, Y., and Hashimoto, M.: Complex ruptures of the 11 April 2011 Mw 6.6 Iwaki earthquake triggered by the 11 March 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku earthquake, Japan, B. Seismol. Soc. Am., 103, 1572–1583, https://doi.org/10.1785/0120120140, 2013.
Fukushima, Y., Toda, S., Miura, S., Ishimura, D., Fukuda, J., Demachi, T., and Tachibana, K.: Extremely early recurrence of intraplate fault rupture following the Tohoku-Oki earthquake, Nat. Geosci., 11, 777–781, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-018-0201-x, 2018.
Gao, X. and Wang, K.: Strength of stick-slip and creeping subduction megathrusts from heat flow observations, Science, 345, 1038–1041, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1255487, 2014.
Gomberg, J., Bodin, P., Larson, K., and Dragert, H.: Earthquake nucleation by transient deformations caused by the M=7.9 Denali, Alaska, earthquake, Nature, 427, 621–624, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature02335, 2004.
Hainzl, S.: Seismicity patterns of earthquake swarms due to fluid intrusion and stress triggering, Geophys. J. Int., 159, 1090–1096, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.2004.02463.X, 2004.
Hardebeck, J. L.: Coseismic and postseismic stress rotations due to great subduction zone earthquakes, Geophys. Res. Lett., 39, L21313, https://doi.org/10.1029/2012GL053438, 2012.
Hardebeck, J. L.: The impact of static stress change, dynamic stress change, and the background stress on aftershock focal mechanisms, J. Geophys. Res., 119, 8239–8266, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014JB011533, 2014.
Hardebeck, J. L., Nazareth, J. J., and Hauksson, E.: The static stress change triggering model: Constraints from two Southern California aftershock sequences, J. Geophys. Res., 103, 24427–24437, https://doi.org/10.1029/98JB00573, 1998.
Harris, R. A.: Introduction to Special Section: Stress Triggers, Stress Shadows, and Implications for Seismic Hazard, J. Geophys. Res., 103, 24347–24358, https://doi.org/10.1029/98JB01576, 1998.
Hasegawa, A., Yoshida, K., and Okada, T.: Nearly complete stress drop in the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku Earthquake, Earth Planets Space, 63, 703–707, https://doi.org/10.5047/eps.2011.06.007, 2011.
Hasegawa, A., Yoshida, K., Asano, Y., Okada, T., Iinuma, T., and Ito, Y.: Change in stress field after the 2011 great Tohoku-Oki earthquake, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 355–356, 231–243, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2012.08.042, 2012.
Hayes, G. P., Moore, G. L., Portner, D. E., Hearne, M., Flamme, H., Furtney, M., and Smoczyk, G. M.: Slab2, A comprehensive subduction zone geometry model, Science, 362, 58–61, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aat4723, 2018.
Herman, M. W. and Govers, R.: Stress evolution during the megathrust earthquake cycle and its role in triggering extensional deformation in subduction zones, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 544, 116379, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116379, 2020.
Heuret, A., Lallemand, S., Funiciello, F., Piromallo, C., and Faccenna, C.: Physical characteristics of subduction interface type seismogenic zones revisited, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 12, Q01004, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010GC003230, 2011.
Hooper, A., Pietrzak, J., Simons, H., Cui, W., Riva, R., Naeije, M., Terwisscha van Scheltinga, A., Schrama, E., Stelling, G., and Socquet, A.: Importance of horizontal seafloor motion on tsunami height for the 2011 Mw=9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 361, 469–479, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2012.11.013, 2013.
Hu, Y. and Wang, K.: Coseismic strengthening of the shallow portion of the subduction fault and its effects on wedge taper, J. Geophys. Res., 113, B12411, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008JB005724, 2008.
Iinuma, T., Hino, R., Kido, M., Inazu, D., Osada, Y., Ito, M. O., Tsushima, H., Suzuki, S., Fujimoto, H., and Miura, S.: Coseismic slip distribution of the 2011 off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku Earthquake (M 9.0) refined by means of seafloor geodetic data, J. Geophys. Res., 117, B07409, https://doi.org/10.1029/2012JB009186, 2012.
Ikari, M. J. and Kopf, A. J.: Seismic potential of weak, near-surface faults revealed at plate tectonic slip rates, Science Advances, 3, e1701269, https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1701269, 2017.
Ishibe, T., Ogata, Y., Tsuruoka, H., and Stake, K.: Testing the Coulomb stress triggering hypothesis for three recent megathrust earthquakes, Geosci. Lett., 4, 5, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40562-017-0070-y, 2017.
Jara-Muñoz, J., Melnick, D., Li, S., Socquet, A., Cortés-Aranda, J., Brill, D., and Strecker, M. R.: The cryptic seismic potential of the Pichilemu blind fault in Chile revealed by off-fault geomorphology, Nat. Commun., 13, 3371, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-30754-1, 2022.
Kanamori, H. and Brodsky, E. E.: The physics of earthquakes, Rep. Prog. Phys., 67, 1429–1496, https://doi.org/10.1088/0034-4885/67/8/R03, 2004.
Kato, A., Igarashi, T., Obara, K., Sakai, S., Takeda, T., Saiga, A., Iidaka, T., Iwasakim, T., Hirata, N., Goto, K., Miayamachi, H., Matsushima, T., Kubo, A., Katao, H., Yamanaka, Y., Terakawa, T., Nakamichi, H., Okuda, T., Horikawa, S., Tsumura, N., Umino, N., Okada, T., Kosuga, M., Takahashi, H., and Yamada, T.: Imaging the source regions or normal faulting sequences induced by the 2011 M 9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, Geophys. Res. Lett., 40, 273–278, https://doi.org/10.1002/grl.50104, 2013.
Kido, M., Osada, Y., Fujimoto, H., Hino, R., and Ito, Y.: Trench-normal variation in observed seafloor displacements associated with the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, Geophys. Res. Lett., 38, L24303, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011GL050057, 2011.
Kilb, D., Gomberg, J., and Bodin, P.: Triggering of earthquake aftershocks by dynamic stress, Nature, 408, 570–574, https://doi.org/10.1038/35046046, 2000.
King, G. C. P., Stein, R. S., and Lin, J.: Static stress changes and the triggering of earthquakes, B. Seismol. Soc. Am., 84, 935–953, 1994.
Kubota, T., Saito, T., and Hino, R.: A new mechanical perspective on a shallow megathrust near-trench slip from the high-resolution fault model of the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, Prog. Earth Planet. Sci., 9, 68, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40645-022-00524-0, 2022.
Lamb, S.: Shear stresses on megathrusts: Implications for mountain building behind subduction zones, J. Geophys. Res., 111, B07401, https://doi.org/10.1029/2005JB003916, 2006.
Lambert, V., Lapusta, N., and Perry, S.: Propagation of large earthquakes as self-healing pulses or mild cracks, Nature, 591, 252–259, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03248-1, 2021.
Lange, D., Tilmann, F., Barrientos, S. E., Contreras-Reyes, E., Methe, P., Moreno, M., Heit, B., Agurto, H., Bernard, P., Vilotte, J.-P., and Beck, S.: Aftershock seismicity of the 27 February 2010 Mw 8.8 Maule earthquake rupture zone, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 317–318, 413–425, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2011.11.034, 2012.
Lee, S. J., Huang, B. S., Ando, M., Chiu, H. C., and Wang, J. H.: Evidence of large scale repeating slip during the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, Geophys. Res. Lett., 38, L19306, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011GL049580, 2011.
Lin, J. and Stein, R. S.: Stress triggering in thrust and subduction earthquakes and stress interaction between the southern San Andreas and nearby thrust and strike-slip faults, J. Geophys. Res., 109, B02303, https://doi.org/10.1029/2003JB002607, 2004.
Luttrell, K. M., Tong, X., Sandwell, D. T., Brooks, B. A., and Bevis, M. G.: Estimates of stress drop and crustal tectonic stress from the 27 February 2010 Maule, Chile, earthquake: Implications for fault strength, J. Geophys. Res., 116, B11401, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JB008509, 2011.
Matthies, F., Dielforder, A., and Hampel, A.: Force-balance modelling of the impact of glacial erosion, trench sedimentation, megathrust weakening and glacial loading on the stress state of the crust at active continental margins, Tectonophysics, 871, 230180, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2023.230180, 2024.
Miao, M. and Zhu, S.-B.: A study of the impact of static Coulomb stress changes of megathrust earthquakes along subduction zone on the following aftershocks, Chin. J. Geophys., 55, 539–551, https://doi.org/10.1002/cjg2.1748, 2012.
Minson, S. E., Simons, M., Beck, J. L., Ortega, F., Jiang, J., Owen, S. E., Moore, A. W., Inbal, A., and Sladen, A.: Bayesian inversion for finite fault earthquake source models – II: The 2011 great Tohoku-oki, Japan earthquake, Geophys. J. Int., 198, 922–940, 2014.
Miyazawa, M.: Propagation of an earthquake triggering front from the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, Geophys. Res. Lett., 38, L23307, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011GL049795, 2011.
Molnar, P. and Lyon-Caen, H.: Some simple physical aspects of the support, structure, and evolution of mountain belts, in: Processes in continental lithospheric deformation, edited by: Clark Jr., S. P., Burchfiel, B. C., and Suppe, J., Geological Society of America, Boulder, CO, 179–208, https://doi.org/10.1130/SPE218-p179, 1988.
Moore, D. E. and Lockner, D. A.: Crystallographic control of the frictional behavior of dry and water-saturated sheet structure minerals, J. Geophys. Res., 109, B03401, https://doi.org/10.1029/2003JB002582, 2004.
Moreno, M., Melnick, D., Rosenau, M., Baez, J., Klotz, J., Oncken, O., Tassara, A., Chen, J., Bataille, K., Bevis, M., Socquet, A., Bolte, J., Vigny, C., Brooks, B., Ryder, I., Rund, V., Smalley, B., and Carrizo, D.: Toward understanding tectonic control on the Mw 8.8 2010 Maule Chile earthquake, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 321, 152–165, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2012.01.006, 2012.
Moreno, M., Haberland, C., Oncken, O., Rietbrock, A., Angiboust, S., and Heidbach, O.: Locking of the Chile subduction zone controlled by fluid pressure before the 2010 earthquake, Nat. Geosci., 7, 292–296, https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo2102, 2014.
Nakamura, W., Uchida, N., and Matsuzawa, T.: Spatial distribution of the faulting types of small earthquakes around the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake: A comprehensive search using template events, J. Geophys. Res., 121, 2591–2607, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JB012584, 2016.
Oncken, O., Angiboust, S., and Dresen, G.: Slow slip in subduction zones: Reconciling deformation fabrics with instrumental observations and laboratory results, Geosphere, 18, 104–129, https://doi.org/10.1130/GES02382.1, 2021.
Oppenheimer, D. H., Reasenberg, P. A., and Simpson, R. W.: Fault plane solutions for the 1984 Morgan Hill, California, earthquake sequence: Evidence for the state of stress on the Calaveras fault, J. Geophys. Res., 93, 9007–9026, 1988.
Pace, B., Bocchini, G. M., and Boncio, P.: Do static stress changes of a moderate-magnitude earthquake significantly modify the regional seismic hazard? Hints from the L'Aquila 2009 normal-faulting earthquake (Mw 6.3, central Italy), Terra Nova, 26, 430–439, https://doi.org/10.1111/ter.12117, 2014.
Papazafeiropoulos, G., Muñiz-Calvente, M., and Martínez-Pañeda, E.: Abaqus2Matlab: a suitable tool for finite element post-processing, Adv. Eng. Softw., 105, 9–16, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advengsoft.2017.01.006, 2017.
Peikert, J., Hampel, A., and Bagge, M.: Three-dimensional finite-element modeling of Coulomb stress changes on normal and thrust faults caused by pore fluid pressure changes and postseismic viscoelastic relaxation, Geosphere, 20, 105–128, https://doi.org/10.1130/GES02672.1, 2024.
Peña, C., Metzger, S., Heidbach, O., Bedford, J., Bookhagen, B., Moreno, M., Oncken, O., and Cotton, F.: Role of poroelasticity during the early postseismic deformation of the 2010 Maule megathrust earthquake, Geophys. Res. Lett., 49, e2022GL098144, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GL098144, 2022.
Qiu, Q. and Chan, C.-H.: Coulomb stress perturbation after great earthquakes in the Sumatran subduction zone: Potential impacts in the surrounding region, J. Asian Earth Sci., 180, 103869, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2019.103869, 2019.
Reasenberg, P. A. and Simpson, R. W.: Response of Regional Seismicity to the Static Stress Change Produced by the Loma Prieta Earthquake, Science, 255, 1687–1690, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.255.5052.1687, 1992.
Ryder, I., Rietbrock, A., Kelson, K., Bürgmann, R., Floyd, M., Socquet, A., Vigny, C., and Carrizo, D.: Large extensional aftershocks in the continental forearc triggered by the 2010 Maule earthquake, Chile, Geophys. J. Int., 188, 879–890, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.2011.05321.x, 2012.
Saltogianni, V., Mouslopoulou, V., Dielforder, A., Bocchini, G. M., Bedford, J., and Oncken, O.: Slow slip triggers the 2018 Mw 6.9 Zakynthos earthquake within the weakly locked Hellenic subduction system, Greece, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 22, e2021GC010090, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GC010090, 2021.
Sato, M., Ishikawa, T., Ujihara, N., Yoshida, S., Fujita, M., Mochizuki, M., and Asada, A.: Displacement above the hypocenter of the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, Science, 332, 1395, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1207401, 2011.
Scholz, C. H.: Earthquakes and friction laws, Nature, 391, 37–42, 1998.
Schwanghart, W. and Scherler, D.: Short Communication: TopoToolbox 2 – MATLAB-based software for topographic analysis and modeling in Earth surface sciences, Earth Surf. Dynam., 2, 1–7, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-2-1-2014, 2014.
Segou, M. and Parsons, T.: A new technique to calculate earthquake stress transfer and to probe the physics of aftershocks, B. Seismol. Soc. Am., 110, 863–873, https://doi.org/10.1785/0120190033, 2020.
Şen, A. T., Cesca, S., Lange, D., Dahm, T., Tilmann, F., and Heimann, S.: Systematic changes of earthquake rupture with depth: a case study from the 2010 Mw 8.8 Maule, Chile, Earthquake aftershock sequence, B. Seismol. Soc. Am., 105, 2468–2479, https://doi.org/10.1785/0120140123, 2015.
Seno, T.: Determination of the pore fluid pressure ratio at seismogenic megathrusts in subduction zones: Implications for strength asperities and Andean-type mountain building, J. Geophys. Res., 114, B05405, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008JB005889, 2009.
Sibson, R. H.: Brittle failure mode plots for compressional and extensional tectonic regimes, J. Struct. Geol., 20, 655–660, https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(85)90150-6, 1998.
Stein, R.: The role of stress transfer in earthquake occurrence, Nature, 402, 605–609, https://doi.org/10.1038/45144, 1999.
Stressler, B. J. and Barnhart, W. D.: An investigation of the accuracy of coulomb stress changes inferred from geodetic observations following subduction zone earthquakes, J. Geophys. Res., 122, 7467–7484, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JB014461, 2017.
Sun, T., Wang, K., Iinuma, T., Hino, R., He, J., Fujimoto, H., Kido, M., Osada, Y., Miura, S., Ohta, Y., and Hu, Y.: Prevalence of viscoelastic relaxation after the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake, Nature, 514, 84–87, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature13778, 2014.
Sun, T., Wang, K., Fujiwara, T., Kodaira, S., and He, J.: Large fault slip peaking at trench in the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, Nat. Commun., 8, 14044, https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms14044, 2017.
Terakawa, T., Hashimoto, C., and Matsu'ura, M.: Changes in seismic activity following the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake: Effects of pore fluid pressure, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 365, 17–24, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2013.01.017, 2013.
Tesei, T., Collettini, C., Carpenter, B. M., Viti, C., and Marone, C.: Frictional strength and healing behavior of phyllosilicate-rich faults, J. Geophys. Res., 117, B09402, https://doi.org/10.1029/2012JB009204, 2012.
The MathWorks Inc.: MATLAB version: 9.13.0 (R2022b), The MathWorks Inc., Natick, Massachusetts [software], https://www.mathworks.com (last access: 26 June 2025), 2022.
Toda, S., Lin, J., and Stein, R.: Using the 2011 Mw 9.0 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake to test the Coulomb stress triggering hypothesis and to calculate faults brought closer to failure, Earth Planets Space, 63, 725–730, https://doi.org/10.5047/eps.2011.05.010, 2011a.
Toda, S., Stein, R. S., and Lin, J.: Widespread seismicity excitation throughout central Japan following the 2011 M=9.0 Tohoku earthquake and its interpretation by Coulomb stress transfer, Geophys. Res. Lett., 38, L00G03, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011GL047834, 2011b.
Tsuji, T., Kamei, R., and Pratt, R. G.: Pore pressure distribution of a mega-splay fault system in the Nankai subduction zone: Insight into up-dip extent of the seismogenic zone, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 396, 165–178, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2014.04.011, 2014.
van den Beukel, J. and Wortel, R.: Temperatures and shear stresses in the upper part of a subduction zone, Geophys. Res. Lett., 14, 1057–1060, https://doi.org/10.1029/GL014i010p01057, 1987.
van den Beukel, J. and Wortel, R.: Thermo-mechanical modelling of arc-trench regions, Tectonophysics, 154, 177–193, https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(88)90101-1, 1988.
Wada, I. and Wang, K.: Common depth of slab-mantle decoupling: Reconciling diversity and uniformity of subduction zones, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 10, Q10009, https://doi.org/10.1029/2009GC002570, 2009.
Wang, K. and He, J.: Mechanics of low stress forearcs: Nankai and Cascadia, J. Geophys. Res., 104, 15191–15205, https://doi.org/10.1029/1999JB900103, 1999.
Wang, K. and Hu, Y.: Accretionary prisms in subduction earthquake cycles: The theory of dynamic Coulomb wedge, J. Geophys. Res., 111, B06410, https://doi.org/10.1029/2005JB004094, 2006.
Wang, K., Brown, L., Hu, Y., Yoshida, K., He, J., and Sun, T.: Stable forearc stressed by a weak megathrust: Mechanical and geodynamic implications of stress changes caused by the M=9 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, J. Geophys. Res., 124, 6179–6194, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JB017043, 2019.
Wang, K., Huang, T., Tilmann, F., Peacock, S. M., and Lange, D.: Role of serpentinized mantle wedge in affecting megathrust seismogenic behavior in the area of the 2010 M=8.8 Maule earthquake, Geophys. Res. Lett., 47, e2020GL090482, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL090482, 2020.
Wei, S., Graves, R., Helmberger, D., Avouac, J., and Jiang, J.: Sources of shaking and flooding during the Tohoku-oki earthquake: A mixture of rupture styles, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 333–334, 100, 2012.
Wessel, P., Luis, J. F., Uieda, L., Scharroo, R., Wobbe, F., Smith, W. H. F., and Tian, D.: The Generic Mapping Tools Version 6, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 20, 5556–5564, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GC008515, 2019.
Wiemer, S. and Katsumata, K.: Spatial variability of seismicity parameters in aftershock zones, J. Geophys. Res., 104, 13135–13151, https://doi.org/10.1029/1999JB900032, 1999.
Wimpenny, S., Forrest, N., and Copley, A.: Time-dependent decrease in fault strength in the 2011–2016 Ibaraki–Fukushima earthquake sequence, Geophys. J. Int., 232, 788–809, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggac368, 2023.
Yang, Y. R., Johnson, K. M., and Chuang, R. Y.: Inversion for absolute deviatoric crustal stress using focal mechanisms and coseismic stress changes: The 2011 M9 Tohoku-oki, Japan, earthquake, J. Geophys. Res., 118, 5516–5529, https://doi.org/10.1002/jgrb.50389, 2013.
Yoshida, K., Hasegawa, A., Okada, T., Iinuma, T., Ito, Y., and Asano, Y.: Stress before and after the 2011 great Tohoku-oki earthquake and induced earthquakes in inland areas of eastern Japan, Geophys. Res. Lett., 39, L03302, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011GL049729, 2012.
Yoshida, K., Hasegawa, A., and Okada, T.: Spatially heterogeneous stress field in the source area of the 2011 Mw 6.6 Fukushima-Hamadori earthquake, NE Japan, probably caused by static stress change, Geophys. J. Int., 201, 1062–1071, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggv068, 2015.
Yoshida, K., Saito, T., Urata, Y., Asano, Y., and Hasegawa, A.: Temporal changes in stress drop, frictional strength, and earthquake size distribution in the 2011 Yamagata-Fukushima, NE Japan, earthquake swarm, caused by fluid migration, J. Geophys. Res., 122, 10379–10397, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JB014334, 2017.
Zhao, W. L., Davis, D. M., Dahlen, F. A., and Suppe, J.: Origin of convex accretionary wedges: Evidence from Barbados, J. Geophys. Res., 91, 10246–10258, 1986.
Short summary
Subduction zones feature a large elevation difference between the deep oceanic trench and the high mountains on land, which causes stress in the upper plate. We investigate how the topographic stress affects the aftershock seismicity of large subduction earthquakes using analytical and numerical stress models. We show that topographic stress has a large influence on aftershock seismicity and promoted most of the seismicity after the Tohoku-Oki (Japan) and Maule (Chile) earthquakes.
Subduction zones feature a large elevation difference between the deep oceanic trench and the...
