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Dynamical weakening of faults by acoustic fluidization

Nature volume 379, pages 601–606 (1996)Cite this article

Abstract

When a fault slips seismically, some of the energy released may excite strong, short-wavelength vibrations near the fault core. Such vibrations can temporarily reduce the normal stress on the fault, allowing it to slip at lower shear stresses than predicted by laboratory coefficients of friction. This phenomenon of 'acoustic fluidization' provides an alternative to theories that invoke pressurized fluids as an explanation for why some faults appear to be so weak.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA

    H. J. Melosh

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  1. H. J. Melosh
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Melosh, H. Dynamical weakening of faults by acoustic fluidization. Nature 379, 601–606 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1038/379601a0

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