ISSN:
1420-9136
Keywords:
Plate models
;
shear and tensile source mechanisms
;
seismotectonic interpretation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract A special experimental technique enabled us to study in detail seismic events on a fault model in a uniaxial stress field. The recording system used made it possible to investigate the radiation pattern for all the events observed including the precise determination of the dislocation origin. The aim of the present paper is (1) to find the relation between shear and tensile displacements, (2) to check a possible influence of the process of tensile crack generation on the seismic energy release and (3) to compare the seismic regime of a single fault before and after the tensile crack generation, respectively. Results prove the dominating importance of shear mechanism for the seismic energy release. The tensile displacement can be seismoactive only under special contact conditions on the fault plane. The existence of tensile cracks at the fault tips changed the pattern of seismic energy radiation. This feature is probably caused by subsequent changes in contact conditions on the fault plane and in the stress field around the fault. A comparison of some results of the present model experiments with the already published results of geological and seismological measurements and investigations shows the analogous character in laboratory and in nature of the process of tectonic earthquake preparation, the displacement course on the fault during the earthquake and the manner of seismic energy release on faults.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00879611
