Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/C000315/1
Fine-scale Seismicity Structure and Apparent Stress Distribution in Subducting Slabs at Intermediate Depths
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor A Rietbrock, University of Liverpool, Earth Surface Dynamics
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor N Kusznir, University of Liverpool, Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of Liverpool, Earth Surface Dynamics
- Science Area:
- Earth
- Overall Classification:
- Earth
- ENRIs:
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Science Topics:
- Tectonic Processes
- Mantle & Core Processes
- Geohazards
- Abstract:
- A striking feature of lithosphere subduction, where oceanic lithosphere sinks into the mantle and is thermally assimilated, is the dipping region of earthquake activity within the subducting lithosphere slab known as the Wadati-Benioff Zone (WBZ). In many subduction zones this seismicity (earthquake activity) splits at intermediate depths (60-300km) into two or three distinct layers forming double (DWBZ) or triple (TWBZ) Wadati-Benioff Zones. Understanding the highly variable state of stress within subducting slabs is critical to understanding the processes that control its deformation and generate WBZ seismicity. Our present knowledge of the state of stress within subducting slabs is however limited by inadequate resolution of determined earthquake hypocenters and too few well-constrained focal mechanisms. The aims of this research project are to improve our knowledge and understanding of the fine-scale distribution and focal mechanisms of WBZ seismicity within the upper 300 km of the subducting lithosphere slab, and the associated stress accumulation and dissipation responsible for its generation. High-resolution relocation techniques will be applied to new high quality data to reveal the fine scale structure of intermediate depth seismicity below N Chile. 1D and 2D models of stress accumulation and dissipation within the subducting slab will be developed and applied to observed earthquake location and focal mechanisms for N Chile and NE Japan.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/C000315/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £182,406
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - T&S | Total - Staff | Total - Other Costs | Total - Equipment | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £12,458 | £87,268 | £2,875 | £23,098 | £56,704 |
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