CAREER: Experimental Investigation of Failure Modes and Mechanics of Earthquakes

小振幅慢滑动事件被发现在俯冲带的上倾和下倾的限制，海啸生成的大地震发生。了解这些事件的物理学可能会对可能导致大地震的应力转移和加载提供限制。建议的研究将集中在调查的可能机制，产生在南海增生棱镜检测到的甚低频地震（VLFEs）。触发这些非地震类地震信号的机制是有争议的。该项目涉及与孔隙压力过剩相关的破坏机制的实验研究，孔隙压力过剩被广泛引用为触发滑移，从而诱发VLFE。该项目采用一种综合方法，包括变形和摩擦实验、微观结构分析以及与观测到的地震事件相关的滑动和破坏的数值模拟，其目标是更好地了解浅层VLFEs的基本力学。实验研究的多学科和实践性质是一个很好的平台，可以激励思想开放的年轻学生，特别是来自代表性不足的群体，追求科学和工程事业。拟议的工作包括建立一个虚拟变形实验室，让各地的学生都可以了解岩石变形。实验结果将为研究俯冲带的地震活动性提供新的见解。

Small amplitude slow slip events were discovered at both the updip and downdip limits of the subduction zones where tsunami-generating mega earthquakes occur. Understanding the physics of these events may provide constraints on stress transfer and loading that potentially lead to great earthquakes. The proposed study will focus on investigating the possible mechanisms for generating very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs) detected in the Nankai accretionary prism. The mechanisms that trigger these un-earthquake like seismic signals are controversial. The project involves an experimental investigation on the failure mechanisms related to pore pressure excess, which is widely cited for triggering slip that induces VLFEs. Using an integrated approach consists of deformation and frictional experiments, microstructural analyses, and numerical modeling on slip and failure associated with the observed seismic events, the project's goal is to gain better understanding of the fundamental mechanics of shallow VLFEs. The multidisciplinary and hands-on nature of experimental studies is a great platform to motivate open-minded young students, especially from underrepresented groups, to pursue careers in science and engineering. The proposed work includes building a virtual deformation laboratory where students everywhere can learn about rock deformation. The experimental results will provide new insights into seismicity at subduction zones.