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HEIndividual fellowship2023–2025

DECODE · DECiphering the seismic signature Of aseismic DEformation

Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2023-10-01 → 2025-09-30
EU contribution
€195,915
Participants
2
Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

DECiphering the seismic signature Of aseismic DEformation

Earthquakes are a major threat to humankind, causing damage above 500 billion euros and more than 400,000 fatalities within the last 20 years. Still, the generation of large earthquakes remains poorly understood. Recent research revealed that large subduction earthquakes are often preceded by aseismic slip on the plate boundary. Also called slow slip events (SSEs), these aseismic ruptures are often accompanied by so-called low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs), an atypical earthquake that can repeat very often during slow slip and is depleted in high-frequency energy compared to regular earthquakes. However, the link between seismic and aseismic processes is not yet clear: not all large subduction earthquakes are initiated by precursory SSEs, not all SSEs lead to large earthquakes, not all SSEs are accompanied by LFEs. Key reason for this knowledge gap is the difficulty in detecting LFEs and SSEs so that their occurrence can be analyzed with respect to the seismic cycle. In this project, I develop machine learning (ML) techniques and apply them to new, high-density data to fill this detection gap, thus allowing a systematic study of how LFEs and SSEs relate to earthquakes. In particular, I study the Chile subduction zone, a region with known SSE activity but without known LFEs.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

Earthquakes are a major threat to humankind, causing damage above 500 billion USD and more than 400,000 fatalities within the last 20 years. Nonetheless, the generation of large earthquakes remains poorly understood. Recent research suggests that the key to deciphering this preparatory phase lies in the complex interplay of seismic and aseismic processes. Three event types are of genuine interest: slow slip events (SSEs), which are episodic aseismic deformations; low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs), a type of earthquake depleted in high-frequency energy; and regular earthquakes.A key factor limiting the understanding of the seismic-aseismic interplay are incomplete LFE catalogs, caused by the difficulty to detect these events. Therefore, in this project I will develop a novel detection method for LFEs building on recent advances in deep learning. Applying this method, I will compile comprehensive catalogs for three regions: Northern Chile, Nankai (Japan) and Nicoya (Costa Rica). These catalogs, in conjunction with continuous geodetic records, SSE catalogs and seismicity catalogs, will allow me to study the seismic-aseismic interplay. This will reveal physical driving mechanisms of the seismic-aseismic interplay and give insights into the preparation of large earthquakes. This will contribute towards the accurate assessment of seismic hazard and the preparedness for seismic events.I will conduct this project at the Université Grenoble Alpes, with a secondment at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. My scientific background in interdisciplinary research between deep learning and seismology, is complemented by my supervisiors: Anne Socquet, expert on aseismic processes and subduction zones; and William Frank, expert in the detection and characterisation of LFEs. The project, together with targeted training activities, will refine my scientific profile and extend my skill set, enabling me to define my independent research agenda and pursue a career in research.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • UNIVERSITE GRENOBLE ALPES · GrenobleCoordinatorFrance
  • MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · CambridgeUnited States

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union