Vers la compréhension des séquences sismiques sur un système de failles : de l’observation spatiale à la modélisation numérique. Application à la séquence du Nord-Est Lut, Iran

A groundbreaking study on the Lut Desert, Iran, reveals that stress transfers—both during and after earthquakes—play a pivotal role in triggering seismic sequences. Unlike previous research focusing on simple fault systems, this study examines a complex network of conjugated faults (NE Lut sequence, 1939–1997) to assess whether stress transfers not only influence earthquake succession but also synchronize long-term fault ruptures. Using advanced optical image correlation and InSAR data, the researchers measured surface deformations from three major earthquakes (Khuli-Boniabad Mw 7.1, Zirkuh Mw 7.2, and Korizan Mw 6.6), including unprecedented detection of displacements from a moderate historical quake. The findings highlight that stress transfers favor 7 of 11 earthquakes in the sequence, with precise fault geometry modeling being critical for accurate predictions. Simulations further demonstrate that post-seismic viscoelastic relaxation is the dominant process enabling repeated seismic sequences, though the observed order of major quakes was exceptional.

Marchandon, M. Vers la compréhension des séquences sismiques sur un système de failles : de l’observation spatiale à la modélisation numérique. Application à la séquence du Nord-Est Lut, Iran. https://doi.org/10.70675/fc1af77bz3fc4z42bfzb9dcz993dfd069f89