Origin of the Co-Seismic Variations of Elastic Properties in the Crust: Insight From the Laboratory

Seismological observations highlighted that earthquakes are often followed by changes in elastic properties around the fault zone. Here, we studied the origin of these variations using stick-slip experiments on saw-cut granite samples presenting different degrees of bulk damage (i.e., microcracks). Stick-slip events were induced under triaxial compression configuration with continuous active ultrasonic measurements at confining pressures representative of upper crustal conditions (15-120 MPa). Both the P-wave velocity (VP) and amplitude (AP) showed drops, concurrently with stress drops, and had a non-monotonic dependence toward the fault's stress state. Our experimental results suggest that co-seismic changes in VP were mostly controlled by the elastic re-opening of microcracks in the bulk, rather than by co-seismic damage or the formation of fault gouge. Co-seismic changes in AP were controlled by a combination of elastic re-opening of microcracks in the bulk and inelastic processes (i.e., co-seismic damage and gouge formation and dilation).

Automated summary

The study found that seismic-induced changes in elastic properties are mainly controlled by the elastic re-opening of microcracks in the rock samples, rather than by seismic damage or fault gouge formation. Changes in seismic amplitudes are affected by both the elastic re-opening of microcracks and inelastic processes.