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VERSION:2.0
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PRODID:UW-Madison-Physics-Events
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SEQUENCE:0
UID:UW-Physics-Event-1463
DTSTART:20090505T170500Z
DURATION:PT1H0M0S
DTSTAMP:20260422T214702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20090216T144516Z
LOCATION: 4274 Chamberlin
SUMMARY:Earthquakes beneath the sea: Understanding the mechanics of fa
 ult zones through subsurface imaging and scientific drilling\, Chaos &
  Complex Systems Seminar\, Harold Tobin\, UW Department of Geology and
  Geophysics
DESCRIPTION:Understanding of the processes by which earthquakes occur 
 remains one of the great challenges of geophysics. The complex interpl
 ay among frictional processes\, stress\, pore fluid pressure\, tempera
 ture\, and other factors means that a comprehensive model for fault ph
 ysics has not been achieved. One reason for this is the lack of in sit
 u observations and samples from within the faults deep beneath the ear
 th's surface. To address this problem\, several major projects have be
 en launched to drill into fault zones. The massive subduction earthqua
 kes which occur at the boundary between two tectonic plates at subduct
 ion zones are especially of interest because they cause devastating ts
 unami\, and occur with repeating characteristics. Off the Pacific coas
 t of Japan\, the NanTroSEIZE (Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experimen
 t) project targets a subduction zone for drilling to sample and place 
 instruments into and around the fault zone responsible for these tsuna
 mi-generating earthquakes. Three-dimensional seismic reflection survey
 s image the plate boundary zone and provide evidence for fault propert
 ies. Drilling provides evidence on the rock composition\, chemistry\, 
 stress\, and other parameters. These unique new datasets are helping t
 o test theoretical and laboratory-derived models for fault physics. I 
 will discuss the overall challenge and present results from the first 
 phase of drilling in 2007-2008.
URL:https://www.physics.wisc.edu/events/?id=1463
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