Could thermal pressurization have induced the frequency-dependent rupture during the 2019 Mw8.0 Peru intermediate-depth earthquake?

The rupture process of earthquakes at intermediate-depth (similar to 70-300 km) have rarely been illuminated by a joint analysis of geodetic and seismic observations, hindering our understanding of their dynamic rupture mechanisms. Here we present detailed rupture process of the 2019 M(w)8.0 Peru earthquake at the depth of 122 km depth, derived with a holistic approach reconciling InSAR and broad-band seismic waveform data. The joint inversion of InSAR observations and teleseismic body waves results in a finite rupture model that extends similar to 200 km along strike, with unilateral rupture towards north that lasted for similar to 60 s. There are four major slip patches in the finite fault model which are well corresponding to the position and timing of the sources in back-projection and multiple points source results. The largest slip patch, which occurred similar to 40 s after the rupture initiation, had a longer and smoother rise time, and radiated much weaker high-frequency seismic waves compared to other smaller slip patches. This distinct frequency-dependent rupture could be explained by a strong dynamic weakening mechanism. We question whether thermal pressurization of pore free water rather than thermal run away could be such a mechanism. Our frequency content analysis could be generalized to study other earthquakes including those deeper than 300 km.

Automated summary

The rupture process of intermediate-depth earthquakes has been studied by analyzing both InSAR and seismic waveform data for the 2019 M(w)8.0 Peru earthquake at 122 km depth. The results show a finite rupture model extending 200 km along strike, with unilateral rupture towards north lasting for 60 s. The analysis suggests a distinct frequency-dependent rupture mechanism.