Earth's strongest earthquakes occur in so-called subduction zones, where one Earth plate dives beneath another and megathrust faults occur. Despite major advancements in earthquake monitoring and warning systems, earth scientists struggle to predict large earthquakes, especially tsunami generating subduction events, because relatively little data exists.

LMU geophysicists Thomas Ulrich and Alice-Agnes Gabriel, in collaboration with Elizabeth Madden (University of Brasilia), have now identified three key regional factors that control earthquake dynamics and the potential for large tsunami generation at subduction zones.

The researchers analyzed cutting-edge, multi-physics simulations of the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake and tsunami using the powerful supercomputer SuperMUC-NG in Garching, Germany. The simulations incorporated data on long-term plate tectonic movements as well as first-order physical laws of how rocks break and slide.

The study is the first unified and physics-based model able to explain the physical processes during this earthquake's rupture as well as the growth and propagation of the tsunami, which was up to 30 meters high.

Importantly, the earthquake model accounts for complex fault geometry and variations in rock behavior near these faults in three-dimensions. The results revealed that that subduction earthquake dynamics and tsunami genesis are controlled by spatial variation in the tectonic forces, as well as by the stiffness and strength of local rocks. According to the authors, the study could help to improve the prediction of earthquakes and tsunamis in the future.

Research Report: "Stress, rigidity and sediment strength control megathrust earthquake and tsunami dynamics"

Related Links
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Bringing Order To A World Of Disasters
When the Earth Quakes
A world of storm and tempest

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Images reveal devastation in tsunami-hit Tonga
Wellington (AFP) Jan 18, 2022
A volcano that exploded in the Pacific island nation of Tonga has almost disappeared from view, new images revealed Tuesday, with swathes of the country smothered in grey dust or damaged by a tsunami. The volcano erupted 30 kilometres (19 miles) into the air on Saturday and deposited ash, gas and acid rain across a large area of the Pacific. In the tsunami that followed, waves in Tonga rose up to 15 metres (50 feet), its government said in a statement. Three people were killed and "a number ... read more