Structure and Composition of the Plate-Boundary Slip Zone for the 2011 Tohoku-Oki Earthquake
Title | Structure and Composition of the Plate-Boundary Slip Zone for the 2011 Tohoku-Oki Earthquake |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year | 2013 |
Authors | Chester, FM, Rowe, C, Ujiie, K, Kirkpatrick, J, Regalla, C, Remitti, F, Moore, JC, Toy, V, Wolfson-Schwehr, ML, Bose, S, Kameda, J, Mori, JJ, Brodsky, EE, Eguchi, N, Toczko, S |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 342 |
Pages | 1208–1211 |
Date Published | December 6 |
The mechanics of great subduction earthquakes are influenced by the frictional properties, structure, and composition of the plate-boundary fault. We present observations of the structure and composition of the shallow source fault of the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake and tsunami from boreholes drilled by the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 343 and 343T. Logging-while-drilling and core-sample observations show a single major plate-boundary fault accommodated the large slip of the Tohoku-Oki earthquake rupture, as well as nearly all the cumulative interplate motion at the drill site. The localization of deformation onto a limited thickness (less than 5 meters) of pelagic clay is the defining characteristic of the shallow earthquake fault, suggesting that the pelagic clay may be a regionally important control on tsunamigenic earthquakes. | |
DOI | 10.1126/science.1243719 |
Refereed Designation | Refereed |