Fault deformation dynamics along major plate boundaries

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This research program seeks to understand the physical mechanisms by which tectonic faults slide in dynamic and steady phases and their potential interactions, particularly in light of new discoveries of a spectrum of deformation modes along major plate boundaries in the past decade. The proposed work will primarily involve developing new fault dynamics models that incorporate relevant mechanisms governing fault strength, and complemented by collecting and analyzing seismic data from plate boundaries of interest.The short-term research projects will focus on two tectonic settings, representative of two end-member scenarios of earthquake cycles along plate boundaries. The first is the Cascadia margin in Pacific Northwest, which is a subduction zone capable of generating magnitude 9 earthquakes and tsunami damages every 300-600 years. The second is the Quebreda, Discovery and Gofar System of the East Pacific Rise, which are a series of mid-ocean ridge transform faults with magnitude 6 earthquakes repeating every 4-6 years. By numerically simulating the crustal deformation and comparing to seismic and geodetic observations, we will address the physical origins of episodic slow slip events and tremors, and their interaction with major earthquakes.This research will make fundamental contributions to our understanding of dynamic and slow fault slip behavior along major tectonic boundaries, and quantitative relationships between rock friction, hydrothermal transport and crustal deformation. The results will improve our earthquake forecast ability and hazard assessment. The new fault dynamics models can be potentially adapted to a broader range of environments, including continental faults and ice sheet deformation in glaciated regions.