Physics and structure of subduction-induced geodynamic transients in terms of reflection seismic and micro-seismological signatures

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Serge A. Shapiro
• Subject Area: Geophysics
• Term: from 2010 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 142091950

We propose a combination of active and passive seismic studies in order to image and to characterize the structural inventory and the processes that occur in the vicinity of large scale fault zones in the Central Andean forearc system (North Chile), faults which are expected to have a relationship to transient processes in the subduction earthquake cycle. The overall aim of this project is to provide a reflection seismic frame and the related seismicity patterns for understanding the interaction between on the one hand, faults and seismic scattering structures (e.g., physical and structural heterogeneities, like zones of enhanced porosity filled with fluids and/or melts) in the crust and on the other hand, strain-, stress-, pore pressure-, temperature-, friction-, diffusion- and degassing-related transients (e.g., spatio-temporal complexity of seismicity distribution and tremors) caused by the subduction process. Therefore our aim is not only to identify and analyze 4D-transients but also to characterize the subsurface environment in which they occur.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Persons: Privatdozent Dr. Günter Asch; Professor Dr. Stefan Buske; Dr. Jörn Kummerow; Dr. Peter J. Wigger