Deciphering the influence of rock properties on fault rupture mechanics

地震是调节断层运动的主要机制。地震破裂的传播速度是决定相关地震危险性的关键参数。最近的观察表明，破裂速度发生在一个连续的时间尺度上，但人们对地震发生的断层的物理条件如何控制破裂速度，从而控制地震危险性知之甚少。本研究项目旨在长期研究断层表面的哪些物理因素，如岩石成分、破坏程度、流体浓度等，对控制破裂速度最为关键，从而更好地评估地震对社会造成的风险，减轻地震危害。

Earthquakes are the dominant mechanism accommodating motion on faults. The speed at which an earthquake rupture propagates is the key parameter determining associated seismic hazard. Recent observations suggest that rupture speed occurs over a continuum of time scales, but there is little understanding of how the physical conditions on the fault where an earthquake occurs control rupture speed, and thus, seismic hazard. This research program aims over the long term to study what physical factors on the fault surface, such as rock composition, degree of damage, concentration of fluids, etc., are most critical to controlling rupture speed, so that we can better assess the risk to society posed by earthquakes, and mitigate seismic hazard.