Earthquakes II: Source Physics

Abstract

This course teaches the fundamental principles to understand physical processes leading to and governing earthquake source ruptures. To obtain that understanding we cover topics ranging from friction and fault mechanics up to earthquake source descriptions. The acquired understanding will be applied to a topic of choice to practice research skills.

Objective

The aim of the course is to gain a fundamental understanding of the physical processes leading to and governing earthquake ruptures. This means that students will be able to: - describe earthquake sources both conceptually and mathematically - explain processes affecting earthquake nucleation, propagation and arrest - explain processes affecting inter-, co-, and postseismic - differentiate source kinematic and dynamic concepts - interpret earthquake source properties from both perspectives - derive fundamental equations in elasto-statistics and dynamics - interpret earthquake occurrences and put them in perspective - address fundamental questions in earthquake physics - critically assess and discuss scientific literature

Content

We will cover a range of topics, including: - a summary of basics of earthquake mechanics: definitions, faults, elastic rebound theory, and source parameters - Mathematical description of the source - Representation theorem, point and extended sources, source spectra - Source inversion - Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics quasi-static and dynamic - Rupture nucleation, propagation and arrest - Energy partitioning - Fault mechanics and friction laws - Earthquake statistics and interaction After a theoretical understanding has been acquired, we invite students to apply this knowledge to their topic of preference by presenting a group of state-of-the-art and/or classical papers as a final project. This will require them to understand and evaluate current challenges and state-of-the-art practices in earthquake physics. Additionally, this stimulates participants to improve their skills to: - critically analyze (to be) published papers - disseminate knowledge within their own and neighboring research fields - formulate their opinion, new ideas and broader implications - present their findings to an audience - ask questions and actively participate in discussions on new scientific ideas An interactive laboratory demonstration will be performed and the data will be used to validate theoretical formulations discussed in class. The experiment will illuminate frictional behaviour and energy partitioning with first hand experience. The course will be evaluated in 3 parts: - a report on laboratory demonstration - a presentation discussing a topic of chose based on a group of suggested papers - an oral in-class examination with peer interaction The course is worth 3 credit points, and a satisfactory total grade (4 or better) is needed to obtain 3 ECTS. The lab demonstration report has a weight of 20% and the presentation and oral in-class examination weigh for 40% each.

Resources