Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: 7.4 intermediate-depth earthquake and compare the rupture extent with temperature conditions from thermo-mechanical models. We record regional geodetic co-seismic deformation and high-resolution seismicity associated with this type of event. Our analyses reveal a complex rupture spanning an exceptional depth range, with distinct asperities propagating deep into the subducting lithosphere. Comparison with thermal models shows that while the rupture initiated within the cold slab core, it extended well beyond the ~650 °C isotherm that typically delineates the boundary for efficient serpentine dehydration. We suggest that the rupture likely initiated with dehydration embrittlement within the cold core but then propagated into the warmer regions through shear thermal runaway. This implies a transition of mechanisms that facilitates large-scale rupture and activates typically aseismic, high-temperature slab regions. Our findings highlight the importance of considering interactions between rupture mechanisms as well as slab thermal and compositional settings to better understand the processes governing intermediate-depth earthquakes.
Source: Nature Communications
Language: English
Subfield: Geophysics
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
Awards: G1597429995, IDENTIFYING NEAR-TRENCH COUPLING IN CHILE COMBINING ON-AND OFFSHORE GEODETIC DATA AND MECHANICAL MODELING NEAR, Collaborative Research: Toward an integrated modeling framework for physics-based estimates of megathrust rupture potential, Collaborative Research: Consequences of flat slab subduction on the chemical, structural, and dynamic evolution of continental lithosphere, G5512904125, UNLOCKING PROCESS OF LARGE CHILEAN EARTHQUAKES
OpenAlex ID: W4413850678