ISSN:
1420-9136
Keywords:
Physical modelling
;
Tensile cracks
;
Shallow earthquakes
;
Radiation patterns
;
Tensile seismic activity
;
Combined shear-tensile seismic source
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract The concept of seismicity of fast tensile fracturing is introduced and supported by the results of shear and of combined shear and tensile displacements along a loaded stress concentrator. The seismicity of tensile fracturing is demonstrated by means of acoustic (elastic) signals obtained during tensile fracturing in physical models under load; the basic physical relations between the parameters characterizing the loaded medium, load conditions, shear and tensile displacements, and release of acoustic energy are presented. For determining the tensile-source component in earthquakes a procedure based on the construction of radiation patterns is suggested and submitted for discussion. The criteria for selecting earthquakes with possible shear-tensile source mechanisms are listed and discussed. The existence of such a combined seismic source is sought in two shallow earthquakes which occurred in southern Iran in March 1977. In general, the paper should be regarded as a proposal to utilize the radiation characteristics of a seismic source—with all their insufficiencies—as a quick and simple tool for seeking combined shear and tensile mechanisms of seismic energy release.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00877045
