Monitoring seismic velocity changes across the San Jacinto Fault using train-generated seismic tremors

Y. Sheng, A. Mordret, K. Sager, F. Brenguier, P. Boué, B. Rousset, F. Vernon, Q. Higueret, Y. Ben-Zion

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftArtikelForskningpeer review

14 Citationer (Scopus)

Resumé

Microseismic noise has been used for seismic velocity monitoring. However, such signals are dominated by low-frequency surface waves that are not ideal for detecting changes associated with small tectonic processes. Here we show that it is possible to extract stable, high-frequency body waves using seismic tremors generated by freight trains. Such body waves allow us to focus on small velocity perturbations in the crust with high spatial resolution. We report on 10 years of seismic velocity temporal changes at the San Jacinto Fault. We observe and map a two-month-long episode of velocity changes with complex spatial distribution and interpret the velocity perturbation as produced by a previously undocumented slow-slip event. We verify the hypothesis through numerical simulations and locate this event along a fault segment believed to be locked. Such a slow-slip event stresses its surroundings and may trigger a major earthquake on a fault section approaching failure.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
Artikelnummere2022GL098509
Antal sider8
TidsskriftGeophysical Research Letters
Vol/bind49
Udgave nummer19
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 16 okt. 2022
Udgivet eksterntJa

Programområde

  • Programområde 3: Energiressourcer

Fingeraftryk

Dyk ned i forskningsemnerne om 'Monitoring seismic velocity changes across the San Jacinto Fault using train-generated seismic tremors'. Sammen danner de et unikt fingeraftryk.

Citationsformater