Standards for Documenting Finite-Fault Earthquake Rupture Models

Paul M. Mai, Peter M. Shearer, Jean-Paul Ampuero, & Thorne Lay

Published 2016, SCEC Contribution #2107

Finite-fault source inversions have become a standard tool in seismology to estimate the kinematic properties of the earthquake rupture process. Using seismic data, often augmented with geodetic measurements, these inversions image the space-time dependent rupture that occurs on one or more (planar) fault segments. The resulting finite-fault rupture models (also known as “slip models”) provide information on how much displacement occurred on the fault and where, how fast the rupture propagated, and how long each point on the fault slipped (and in which direction). In case only geodetic data are used, the source inversions put constraints on the fault geometry and the static slip distribution (i.e., final displacements over the fault surfaces). For large tsunamigenic earthquakes, tide-gauge records or buoy data may be used exclusively, or complement other data sets, to quantify the rupture process.
This contribution to the Electronic Seismologists proposes standards for documenting and disseminating finite-fault earthquake rupture models. Comprehensive documentation and timely dissemination not only facilitates future research, but also ensures interoperability, transparency, and reproducibility in the published slip-inversion solutions.

Citation
Mai, P. M., Shearer, P. M., Ampuero, J., & Lay, T. (2016). Standards for Documenting Finite-Fault Earthquake Rupture Models . Seismological Research Letters, 87(3), 712-718.