New research reveals how slow, quiet movements turn into powerful earthquakes, offering insights into fault geometry, friction dynamics, and the ability to predict seismic events
Earthquakes are considered one of the most powerful and destructive phenomena in nature, but the precise mechanisms that lead to their formation remain incompletely understood. Now, groundbreaking research provides a new look at the process of earthquake formation, explaining how slow, quiet movements turn into violent releases of energy.
The transition from slow motion to powerful shaking
The study, conducted by researchers from the Rakeh Institute of Physics at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, led by Prof. Jay Feinberg and doctoral student Shahar Gebirtzman, in collaboration with leading researchers from ETH Zurich and the University of Lyon, offers a new understanding of the earthquake deficit.
Using advanced experiments and theoretical models, researchers have discovered that slow, steady movements at critical stress levels are a necessary precursor to the development of a dynamic seismic fault. This research challenges traditional concepts and provides deep insights into how earthquakes begin.
Using high-speed imaging and innovative techniques, the team tracked the faulting process. They observed that the first stage of the process involves two-dimensional patches of slow frictional motion that gradually spread. As these areas approach a critical point, they transition into a rapidly dynamic state that leads to earthquakes.
The effect of fracture geometry
One of the key insights of the study is the importance of the geometric characteristics of the fracture in the subsidence process. The researchers incorporated the face width into their models – a parameter that is often neglected in traditional models.
"We found that slow, quiet processes are a necessary prerequisite for earthquakes, and they are significantly influenced by the geometry of the face," explained Prof. Feinberg.
Beyond a deeper understanding of earthquakes, the research offers important insights into mechanisms of friction, material strength, and fracture dynamics.
Furthermore, the findings suggest that even silent seismic movements – previously neglected – may contain critical information about upcoming earthquakes. This insight could be used to improve earthquake prediction models and reduce risks.
For the scientific article in NATURE
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