Project Abstract
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We investigate the physics of rupture on faults with geometrical and material imhomogeneities. We use a #D finite difference method to simulate rupture in a heterogeneous continuum. The overall objectives are to develop earthquake models that can provide a physical basis for (1) estimates of the probability of multi-segment ruptures (cascading earthquakes) and (2) ground motion simulations. We are focusing on rupture complexity introduced by (1) near-fault damage zones, (2) fault stepovers, and (3) fault behavior during dynamic slip with extreme weakening. |
