Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Spatiotemporal variations in the statistical parameters of the shear wave splitting from local events beneath Eastern Hokkaido

  • Published:
Izvestiya, Physics of the Solid Earth Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Statistical analysis is carried out of the distribution of the fast Swave \((\overset{\lower0.5em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\frown}$}}{\phi } )\), polarization azimuths, time delays between the split shear waves \((\delta \overset{\lower0.5em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\frown}$}}{t} )\) and the dominant frequencies of P waves \((\overset{\lower0.5em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\frown}$}}{f} _P )\) from weak seismic events that hit Eastern Hokkaido during the period of 1998–2003, which also includes strong events with M > 6 and the strong Tokachi-oki earthquake (M8.0) of September 26, 2003. The analysis revealed oscillatory pattern of variations in wave parameters along Eastern Hokkaido. In the rigid crustal blocks beneath the Tokachi and Kushiro Plains, stability is observed in the fast azimuth orientation and unstable behavior of \(\delta \overset{\lower0.5em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\frown}$}}{t}\) and \(\overset{\lower0.5em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\frown}$}}{f} _P\) in the interval of periods 0.5–2.5 years. In the weakened zones beneath the Hidaka Range and the Nemuro Peninsula, periodical alternation of \(\overset{\lower0.5em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\frown}$}}{\phi }\) along orthogonal directions is revealed. It is found that the parameters of the waves coming from the seismic events originating in different depth intervals experience anomalous changes before strong earthquakes. These anomalies reflect depth changes in the type of deformation of the medium. Active deformation is observed beneath the Hidaka Range. Dynamic changes in beneath the stations on either side of the range (ERM, MYR), their antiphase pattern, and the discrepancies in the behavior of the parameters from the events that originate in different depths indicate that these regions act as active buffers in the redistribution of stresses in the Kuril-Japan arc-arc junction zone. The onset of instability that develops before the Tokachi-oki earthquake is marked by gradual shortening of the period of oscillations in \(\overset{\lower0.5em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\frown}$}}{\phi }\) and transition to the north and east azimuths as well as by the decreasing of \(\overset{\lower0.5em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\frown}$}}{f} _P\) from the intermediate-depth events starting from middle 2002, and for deep events, starting from 2000. The acceleration of the process begins in the middle of 2003 and is recognized by a noticeable increase in and a decrease in \(\overset{\lower0.5em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\frown}$}}{f} _P\) beneath almost all stations.

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

  • Billen, M.I. and Hirth, G., Rheologic Controls on Slab Dynamics, Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst., 2007, vol. 8, p. Q08012. doi:10.1029/2007GC001597

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chauveau, B. and Kaminski, E., Porous Compaction in Transient Creep Regime and Implications for Melt, Petroleum, and CO2 Circulation, J. Geophys. Res., 2008, vol. 113, p. B09406. doi: 10.1029/2007JB005088

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crampin, S. and Peacock, S., A Review of Shear-Wave Splitting in the Compliant Crack-Critical Anisotropic Earth, Wave Motion, 2005, vol. 41, pp. 59–77.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeMets, C., Oblique Convergence and Deformation Along the Kuril and Japan Trenches, J. Geophys. Res., 1992, vol. 97, pp. 17615–17625.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eberhart-Phillips, D. and Reyners, M., Three-Dimensional Distribution of Seismic Anisotropy in the Hikurangi Subduction Zone Beneath the Central North Island, New Zealand, J. Geophys. Res., 2009, vol. 114, p. B06301. doi: 10.1029/2008JB005947

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Faccenda, M., Gerya, T.V., and Burlini, L., Deep Slab Hydration Induced by Bending-Related Variations in Tectonic Pressure, Nature, 2009, vol. 2, no. 11, pp. 790–793.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fukuda, J., Johnson, K.M., Larson, K.M., and Miyazaki, S., Fault Friction Parameters Inferred from the Early Stages of Afterslip Following the 2003 Tokachi-Oki Earthquake, J. Geophys. Res., 2009, vol. 114, p. B04412. doi: 10.1029/2008JB006166

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hayashi, N. and Tsutsumi, A., Deformation Textures and Mechanical Behavior of a Hydrated Amorphous Silica Formed Along An Experimentally Produced Fault in Chert, Geophys. Rev. Lett., 2010, vol. 37, p. L12305. doi:10.1029/2010GL042943

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Healy, D., Reddy, S.M., Timms, N.E., et al., Trench-Parallel Fast Axes of Seismic Anisotropy Due To Fluid-Filled Cracks in Subducting Slabs, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 2009, vol. 283, pp. 75–86.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hirauchi, Ê., Katayama, I., Uehara, S., Miyahara, M., and Takai, Y., Inhibition of Subduction Thrust Earthquakes by Low-Temperature Plastic Flow in Serpentine, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 2010, vol. 295, pp. 349–357.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Igel, H., Schreiber, U., Flaws, A., Schuberth, B., and Velikoseltsev, A., and Cochard, A., Rotational Motions Induced by the M8.1 Tokachi-Oki Earthquake, September 25, 2003, Geophys. Rev. Lett., 2005, vol. 32, p. L08309. doi:10.1029/2004GL022336

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Iwasaki, T., Adachia, K., Moriya, T., et al., Upper and Middle Crustal Deformation of An Arc-Arc Collision across Hokkaido, Japan, Inferred from Seismic Refraction/Wide-Angle Reflection Experiments, Tectonophysics, 2004, vol. 388, pp. 59–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kato, T., El-Fiky, G.S., Oware, E.N., and Miyazaki, S., Crustal Strain in the Japanese Islands from Dense GPS Array, Geophys. Res. Lett., 1998, vol. 25, no. 18, pp. 3445–3448.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Katsumata, K., Wada, N., and Kasahara, M., Newly Imaged Shape of the Deep Seismic Zone within the Subducting Pacific Plate Beneath the Hokkaido Corner, Japan-Kuril Arc-Arc Junction, J. Geophys. Res., 2003, vol. 108, no. B12, pp. 2565–2588.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kimura, G., Oblique Subduction and Collision: Forearc Tectonics of the Kuril Arc, Geology, 1986, vol. 14, pp. 404–407.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kita, S., Okada, T., Hasegawa, A., et al., Anomalous Deepening of a Seismic Belt in the Upper-Plane of the Double Seismic Zone in the Pacific Slab Beneath the Hokkaido Corner: Possible Evidence for Thermal Shielding Caused by Subducted Forearc Crust Materials, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 2010, no. 290, pp. 415–426.

  • Liu, Y. and Rice, J.R., Spontaneous and Triggered Aseismic Deformation Transients in a Subduction Fault Model, J. Geophys. Res., 2007, vol. 112, p. B09404. doi:10.1029/2007JB004930

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Long, M.D. and Silver, P.G., The Subduction Zone Flow Field from Seismic Anisotropy: a Global View, Science, 2008, vol. 319, pp. 315–318.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luneva, M.N. and Lee, J.M., Shear Wave Splitting Beneath South Kamchatka During 3-Year Period Associated with the 1997 Kronotsky Earthquake, Tectonophysics, 2003, vol. 374, pp. 135–161.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luneva, M.N. and Kasakhara, M., Parameters of Split Transverse Waves from Local Earthquakes along Eastern Hokkaido Recorded before the Tokachi-Oki September 26, 2003, Earthquake (M = 8.0), Izv. Phys. Earth, 2006, vol. 42, no. 9, pp. 761–774.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luneva, M.N., Seismic Anisotropy and Spatial Distribution of the Parameters of Split S Waves from Local Earthquakes along the Eastern Hokkaido, Fiz. Mezomekh., 2008à, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 37–43.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luneva, M.N., Time Variations in Parameters of Split b Waves from Weak Local Earthquakes beneath Eastern Hokkaido, Fiz. Zemli, 2008b, vol. 44, no. 11, pp. 898–914.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luneva, M.N., Seismic Anisotropy Distribution beneath the Subduction Zones of Kamchatka and Hokkaido, Geophys. Res., 2010, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 42–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Makarov, P.V., Evolutionary Nature of Structure Formation in Lithospheric Material: Universal Principle for Fractality of Solids, Rus. Geol. Geophys., 2007, vol. 48, no. 7, pp. 558–574.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nakajima, J. Shimizu, J., et al., Shear Wave Splitting Beneath the Southwestern Kurile Arc and Northwestern Japan Arc: A New Insight Into Mantle Return Flow, Geophys. Rev. Lett., 2006, vol. 33, no. 5, p. L05305.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ogata, Y., Synchronous Seismicity Changes In and Around the Northern Japan Preceding the 2003 Tokachi-Oki Earthquake of M8.0, J. Geophys. Res., 2005, vol. 110, p. B08305. doi: 10.1029/2004JB003323

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ruina, A., Slip Instability and State Variable Friction Laws, J. Geophys. Res., 1983, vol. 88, pp. 10359–10370.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scholz, C.H., Mechanisms of Seismic Quiescences, Pure and Appl. Geophys, 1988, vol. 126, pp. 701–717.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Segall, P. and Rice, J.R., Does Shear Heating of Pore Fluid Contribute To Earthquake Nucleation? J. Geophys. Res., 2006, vol. 111, p. B09316. doi:10.1029/2005JB004129

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sobolev, G.A. and Ponomarev, A.V., Fizika zemletryasenii i predvestniki (Physics of Earthquakes and Precursors), Moscow: Nauka, 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  • Takanashi, M., Nishizawa, O., Kanagava, K., and Yasu-naga, K., Laboratory Measurements of Elastic Anisotropy Parameters for the Exposed Crustal Rocks from the Hidaka Metamorphic Belt, Central Hokkaido, Japan, Geophys. J. Int., 2001, vol. 145, pp. 33–47.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tomilin, N.G., Damaskinskaya, E.E., and Pavlov, P.I., Sta-tistical Kinetics of Rock Fracture and Forecasting of Seismic Phenomena, Phys. Solid State, 2005, vol. 47, no. 5, pp. 989–993.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Toya, Y. and Kasahara, M., Robust and Exploratory Analysis of Active Mesoscale Tectonic Zones in Japan Utilizing the Nationwide GPS Array, Tectonophysics, 2005, vol. 400, pp. 27–53.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhurkov, S.N., Kinetic Concept of the Strength of Solids, Vestn. Akad. Nauk SSSR, 1968, no. 3, pp. 42–46.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kosygin Institute of Tectonics and Geophysics, Far East Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Kim Yu. Chena 65, Khabarovsk, 680000, Russia

    M. N. Luneva

Authors
  1. M. N. Luneva
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Original Russian Text © M.N. Luneva, 2011, published in Fizika Zemli, 2011, No. 11, pp. 49–62.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Luneva, M.N. Spatiotemporal variations in the statistical parameters of the shear wave splitting from local events beneath Eastern Hokkaido. Izv., Phys. Solid Earth 47, 995–1008 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1069351311100077

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1069351311100077

Keywords

Search

Navigation