Earthquake Processes: Physical Modelling, Numerical Simulation and Data Analysis Part I

摘要

In the last decade of the 20th century there has been great progress in the physics of earthquake generation; that is, the introduction of laboratory-based fault constitutive laws as a basic equation governing earthquake rupture, quantitative description of tectonic loading driven by plate motion, and a microscopic approach to study fault zone processes. The fault constitutive laws plays the role of an interface between microscopic processes in fault zones with macroscopic processes of a fault system, and the plate motion connects diverse crustal activities and mantle dynamics. The APEC Cooperation for Earthquake Simulation (ACES) aims to develop realistic computer simulation models for the complete earthquake generation process on the basis of microscopic physics in fault zones and macroscopic dynamics in the crust-mantle system, and to assimilate seismological and geodetical observations into such models. Simulation of the complete earthquake generation process is an ambitious challenge. Recent advances in high performance computer technology and numerical simulation methodology are bringing this vision within reach.