Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Identification of meta-instable stress state based on experimental study of evolution of the temperature field during stick-slip instability on a 5° bending fault

  • Esearch Paper
  • Progress of Projects Supported by NSFC
  • Published:
Science China Earth Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Identification of the meta-instable stress state and study of its mechanism and evolution of relevant physical fields would be of great significance for determination of potential seismic risks and estimation of critical times. In laboratory experiments, that the specimen enters the meta-instable is marked by accelerated stress release. Could we use the experimental result to identify the earthquake in natural conditions? Because the observational data from one station can only reflect the stress state beneath this station, the key problem for identification of the meta-instability is how to recognize regional stress state through observational data from many stations. In this work, we choose the evolution of the temperature field over varied deformation stages during a stick-slip event on a 5° bending fault as an example, and attempt to find the response features of the physical quantity when the fault enters the meta-instable state. We discuss the characteristics of stages for the stress build-up, stress-time process deviating from linearity before instability, meta-instability, instability, and post-instability, respectively. The result shows that the fault instability slide is a conversion process from independent activities of each fault segment to synergism activity. The instability implies completion of the synergism. The stage deviating from linearity is the onset of stress release, and it is also the onset of the synergism. At the meta-instability stages, stress release becomes dominant, while the synergism tends to finish. Therefore, the analysis of the regional overall stress state should not start from individual stations, and instead it should begin with the evolution of the whole deformation field.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Ma Z J, Fu Z X, Zhang Y Z, et al. Nine Great Earthquakes in China Mainland During 1966–1976. Beijing: Seismological Press, 1982. 216

    Google Scholar 

  2. Zhu F M, Wu G. The 1975 Haicheng Earthquake. Beijing: Seismological Press, 1982

    Google Scholar 

  3. Compilation Group for the 1976 Tangshan Earthquake, State Seismological Bureau. The 1976 Tangshan Earthquake. Beijing: Seismological Press, 1982. 459

    Google Scholar 

  4. Guo Z J, Ma Z J, ed. Research of Great Earthquakes in China. Beijing: Seismological Press, 1988

    Google Scholar 

  5. Department of Prediction and Prevention, China Earthquake Administration. Methods and Theories for Continental Earthquakes—Advances in Earthquake Prediction Research During the Eighth Five-Year Plan of China. Beijing: Seismological Press, 1998. 704

    Google Scholar 

  6. Mei S R, Feng D Y, Zhang G M, et al. Introduction to Earthquake Prediction in China. Beijing: Seismological Press, 1993

    Google Scholar 

  7. Sun Q Z, Wu S G, ed. Development of Earthquake Monitoring and Prediction in China during 1966–2006 (Volume 1 and 2 ). Beijing: Seismological Press, 2007. 452

    Google Scholar 

  8. Zhang G M, Fu Z X, Gui X T, et al. Introduction to Earthquake Prediction. Beijing: Science Press, 2001

    Google Scholar 

  9. Research Group of “Researches on Earthquake Risk Regions and Losses Prediction of China Continent During from 2006 to 2020”. Researches on Earthquake Risk Regions and Losses Prediction of China Continent During from 2006 to 2020. Beijing: Seismological Press, 2007

    Google Scholar 

  10. Zhang Z C, Zheng D L, Luo Y S, et al. A preliminary study of precursor data in “Earthquake Cases of China” (in Chinese). Earthquake, 1990, 10: 9–24

    Google Scholar 

  11. Zhang Z C, ed. Earthquake Cases of China—1966–1975. Beijing: Seismological Press, 1988. 222

    Google Scholar 

  12. Zhang Z C, ed. Earthquake Cases of China—1976–1980. Beijing: Seismological Press, 1990. 263

    Google Scholar 

  13. Zhang Z C, ed. Earthquake Cases of China—1981–1985. Beijing: Seismological Press, 1990. 294

    Google Scholar 

  14. Zhang Z C, ed. Earthquake Cases of China—1986–1988. Beijing: Seismological Press, 1999. 394

    Google Scholar 

  15. Zhang Z C, ed. Earthquake Cases of China—1989–1991. Beijing: Seismological Press, 2000. 453

    Google Scholar 

  16. Zhang Z C, ed. Earthquake Cases of China—1992–1994. Beijing: Seismological Press, 2002. 429

    Google Scholar 

  17. Chen Q F, ed. Earthquake Cases of China—1995–1996. Beijing: Seismological Press, 2002. 489

    Google Scholar 

  18. Chen Q F, ed. Earthquake Cases of China—1997–1999. Beijing: Seismological Press, 2003. 468

    Google Scholar 

  19. Din J H, Yu S R, Xiao W J. Exploration to seismic precursors and impeding and short-term earthquake prediction (in Chinese). Earthquake, 2003, 23: 43–50

    Google Scholar 

  20. Department of Monitoring and Prediction, China Earthquake Administration. The 1998 Zhangbei Earthquake. Beijing: Seismological Press, 1999. 244

    Google Scholar 

  21. Chen R. Consistency of focal mechanism solutions as a new parameter for description of seismicity (in Chinese). Chin J Geophys, 1980, 2: 39–47

    Google Scholar 

  22. Chen R. Dimension decrease during failure of rock (in Chinese). Chin J Geophys, 1989, 32(Suppl): 39–47

    Google Scholar 

  23. Diao G L, Zhao Y P. Consistency feature of focal mechanism solutions before major aftershocks long after the Datong earthquake (in Chinese). Inland Earthq, 2004, 18: 202–206

    Google Scholar 

  24. Wyss M, Sammis C G, Nadeau R M, et al. Fractal dimension and b value on creeping and locked patches of the San Andreas fault near Parkfield, California. Bull Seismol Soc Am, 2004, 94: 410–421

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Yang W Z, D Vere Jones, Ma L, et al. A method for locating the critical region of a future earthquake using the critical earthquake concept (in Chinese). Earthquake, 2000, 20: 28–37

    Google Scholar 

  26. Yang W Z, Ma L. Seismicity acceleration on model and its application to several earthquake region in China. Acta Seismol Sin, 1999, 21: 32–41

    Google Scholar 

  27. Jiang C S, Wu Z. L Accelarating Moment release (AMR) before strong earthquakes: A retrospective case studyof a controversial precursor (in Chinese). Chin J Geophys, 2009, 52: 691–702

    Google Scholar 

  28. Ohnaka M. Earthquake source nucleation: A physical model for short-term precursors. Tectonophysics, 1992, 211: 149–178

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Ребецкий Ю.Л. Оценка величин напряжений в методе катакла стического аналиэа разрывов. ДАН РАН. 2009, 428: 397–402

    Google Scholar 

  30. Ребецкий Ю.Л. Современные проблемы тектонофизики. Физика Земли, 2009, 11: 3–7

    Google Scholar 

  31. Ребецкий Ю.Л. Напряженное состояние земной коры Курил и Камчатки перед Симущирскими землетрясениями. Тихоокеанская геология, 2009, 3: 477–490

    Google Scholar 

  32. Sherman S I, Demyanovich V M, Lysak S V. Active faults, seismicity and recent fracturing in the lithosphere of the Baikal rift system. Tectonophysics, 2004, 380: 261–272

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Sherman S I. A tectonophysical model of a seismic zone: Experience of development based on the example of the Baikal Rift System. Izvestiya Phys Solid Earth, 2009, 45: 938–951

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Sherman S I, Gorbunova E A. New data on the regularities of the earthquake manifestation in the Baikal Seismic Zone and their forecast. Doklady Earth Sci, 2010, 435: 1659–1664

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Bornyakov S A, Truskov V A, Cheremnykh A V. Dissipative structures in fault zones and their diagnostic criteria (from physical modeling data). Russian Geol Geophys, 2008, 49: 1–6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Борняков С А. Деформационные предвстники устщ Баргузинского землетрясения 20 Мая 2008 г. ДАН РАН, 2010, 431: 1–3

    Google Scholar 

  37. Brace W F, Byerlee J D. Stick-slip as a mechanism for earthquakes. Science, 1966, 153: 990–992

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Byerlee J D. Frictional characteristics of granite under high confining pressure. J Geophys Res, 1967, 72: 3639–3648

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Ma J, Ma S L, Liu L Q, et al. Physical Field evolution and instability properties of fault geometry (in Chinese). Acta Seism Sin, 1996, 18: 200–207

    Google Scholar 

  40. Deng Z H, Ma S L, Ma J, et al. Experimental study on stick-slip instability and evolution of its physical field (in Chinese). Seismol Geol, 1995, 17: 306–310

    Google Scholar 

  41. Ma S L, He C R. Period doubling as a result of slip complexities in sliding surfaces with strength heterogeneity. Tectonophysics, 2001, 337: 135–145

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Ma S L, Ma J, Liu L Q. Experimental evidence for seismic nucleation phase. Chin Sci Bull, 2002, 47: 769–773

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Ma S L, Liu L Q, Ma J, et al. Experimental study on nucleation process of stick-slip instability on homogeneous and non-homogeneous faults. Sci China-Earth Sci, 2003, 46(Suppl): 56–66

    Google Scholar 

  44. Liu L Q, Liu T C. Design and trial-manufacture of the system for measuring physical fields of tectonic deformation in laboratory (in Chinese). Seismol Geol, 1995, 17: 357–362

    Google Scholar 

  45. Liu L Q, Ma J, Ma S L. Characteristics and evolution of background strain field on typical structuremodels (in Chinese). Seismol Geol, 1995, 17: 349–356

    Google Scholar 

  46. King G C P, John J F N. Role of fault bends in the initiation and termination of earthquake rupture. Science, 1985, 228: 984–987

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Andrews D J. Mechanics of fault junctions. J Geophys Res, 1989, 94: 9389–9397

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Andrews D J. Fault geometry and earthquake mechanics. Annali Di Geofisica, 1994, X VII: 1342–1348

    Google Scholar 

  49. Ma J, Ma W T, Ma S L, et al. Experimental study and numenrical simulation on physical fields during deformation of a 5° bend fault (in Chinese). Seismol Geol, 1995, 17: 318–326

    Google Scholar 

  50. Aydin A, Du Y J. Surface rupture at a fault bend: the 28 June 1992 Landers, California earthquake. Bull Seismol Soc Am, 1995, 85: 111–128

    Google Scholar 

  51. Kase Y, Day S M. Spontaneous rupture processes on a bending fault. Geophys Res Lett, 2006, 33: L10302

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Hemendra K A. Influence of fault bends on ruptures. Bull Seismol Soc Am, 1997, 87: 1691–1696

    Google Scholar 

  53. Kato N, Satoh T, Lei X L, et al. Effect of fault bend on the rupture propagation process of stick-slip. Tectonophysics, 1999, 310: 81–99

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Poliakov A N B, Dmowska R, Rice J R. Dynamic shear rupture interactions with fault bends and off-axis secondary faulting. J Geophys Res, 2002, 107: 1–17

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Liu P X, Liu L Q, Chen S Y, et al. An experiment on the infrared radiation of surficial rocks during deformation (in Chinese). Seismol Geol, 2004, 26: 502–511

    Google Scholar 

  56. Liu P X, Ma J, Liu L Q, et al. An experimental study on variation of thermal fields during the deformation of a compressive en echelon fault set (in Chinese). Prog Nat Sci, 2007, 17: 454–459

    Google Scholar 

  57. Chen S Y, Ma J, Liu P X, et al. A preliminary study on correlation between thermal infrared radiation of land surface and borehole strain (in Chinese). Prog Nat Sci, 2008, 18: 145–153

    Google Scholar 

  58. Ma J, Ma S P, Liu L Q, et al. Experimental study of thermal and strain fields during deformation of en enchelon faults and its geological implications. Geodyn Tectonophys, 2010, 30: 24–35

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Chen S Y, Liu L Q, Liu P X, et al. Theoretical and experimental study on relationship between strees-strain and temperature variation. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 2009, 52: 1825–1834

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Guo Y S, Ma J, Yun L, et al. The experimental study on stick-slip process of bending faults. Geodyn Tectonophys, 2011, 2: 35–44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Yun L, Guo Y S, Ma J. An experimental study of evolution of physical field and the alternative activities during stick-slip of 5° bend fault (in Chinese). Seismol Geol, 2011, 33: 356–368

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Earthquake Dynamics, Institute of Geology, China Earthquake Administration, Beijing, 100029, China

    M. A. Jin & YanShuang Guo

  2. Institute of the Earth’s Crust Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, 664033, Russia

    S. I. Sherman

Authors
  1. M. A. Jin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. S. I. Sherman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. YanShuang Guo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. A. Jin.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Jin, M.A., Sherman, S.I. & Guo, Y. Identification of meta-instable stress state based on experimental study of evolution of the temperature field during stick-slip instability on a 5° bending fault. Sci. China Earth Sci. 55, 869–881 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-012-4423-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-012-4423-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation