Lab earthquakes reveal a wide range of rupture behaviors controlled by fault bends.

ABSTRACT: Natural faults are typically nonplanar and exhibit multiple bends, which deviate from the general fault orientation at different angles. However, while such deviations are considered a key factor controlling earthquake propagation and, hence, its intensity and magnitude, direct experimental evidence of how bends affect earthquake ruptures is nearly nonexistent. Here, we present direct experimental observations of the interaction of dynamic frictional ruptures with fault (double-) bends of different angles. Using ultrahigh-speed photography, we capture highly detailed full-field images of the complex rupture dynamics that evolve as lab earthquakes in an analog material [poly(methylmethacrylate)] propagate through fault bends, as well as the resulting near-field ground motions. Releasing ben

SUBMITTER: Gabrieli T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12054812 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature