SCEC Award Number 11001 View PDF
Proposal Category Individual Proposal (Integration and Theory)
Proposal Title Physics-based Behavior of Shallow Brittle Rocks During Strong Ground Motions
Investigator(s)
Name Organization
Norman Sleep Stanford University
Other Participants
SCEC Priorities A7, B2, B5 SCEC Groups GMP, FARM, Seismology
Report Due Date 02/29/2012 Date Report Submitted N/A
Project Abstract
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Intellectual Merit We have developed methods for using ubiquitous fragile geological features, including hill slopes,intact rock, and regolith to constrain past ground motions. The S-wave velocity in regolith self-organizes so the it barely becomes nonlinear in strong shaking. Measurement of S-wave velocity as a function of shallow depth constrains past peak ground velocity in exhumed basin sediments and provides limit where surface waves become strongly attenuated. The method is simple to apply and appraise. Similar self-organization may be applicable to rock within step-overs and above blind thrusts.
Broader Impacts We have developed general method that will aid in nonlinear wave modeling and be useful with compiled shallow seismic wave data. Our method is easily tested where seismically damaged regolith has been detected, for example, by geomorphic studies. For general outreach, seismic generation of porosity and permeability produces habitable subsurface environments. We are preparing outreach paper for astrobiologists and geobiologists. Regolith should also self-organize on planets and moons with very high tidal stresses.
Exemplary Figure N/A