Proposal for a New TAG in SCEC5: Comparing Simulations of Earthquake Sequences and Aseismic Slip

On behalf of Junle Jiang, Scripps / UCSD:
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To the SCEC Community,

We are planning to initiate a new TAG (Technical Activity Group) in SCEC5 to compare long-term simulations of earthquake sequences and aseismic slip. The group will be co-led by Brittany Erickson (Portland State University) and Junle Jiang (Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego).

The goals of the TAG are (1) to compare numerical methods that reproduce plate-boundary fault motion, including dynamic earthquake ruptures and aseismic deformation, over a wide range of time scales, and (2) to motivate improvement and development of numerical methodology to tackle problems critical to earthquake dynamics and fault mechanics. The focus of this group will complement the existing SCEC working groups on dynamic ruptures and earthquake simulators.

The initial benchmark for code comparisons will involve an anti-plane problem of quasi-dynamic earthquake ruptures and aseismic slip on a 1D fault obeying rate-and-state friction embedded in a 2D homogeneous, linear elastic half-space. In the future, we envision expanding the comparisons to more complex models, including 3D problems with 2D faults, fully dynamic ruptures, coupling with fluids, multiple fault segments, non-planar fault geometries, and/or inelastic bulk.

As we form the group, we welcome participations from SCEC researchers at two levels. First, we seek potential co-PIs for the imminent SCEC proposal who can commit to participating in the initial benchmark. Second, we welcome a broader group of participants interested in joining a potential workshop in the first year of SCEC5 and/or in participating in later benchmarks.

To express interest in the TAG or if you have questions, please send an email to Brittany Erickson <berickson@pdx.edu> and Junle Jiang <junle@ucsd.edu> by 5 pm this Friday.

Best regards,
Brittany Erickson
Junle Jiang
Eric Dunham
Ruth Harris
Nadia Lapusta