Episodic Slow Slip Events and Overlying Plate Seismicity at the Southernmost Ryukyu Trench
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
Journal Volume
45
Journal Issue
19
Pages
10369
Date Issued
2018
Author(s)
Abstract
Abstract Shallow slow slip events accompanied by seismicity has been increasingly reported in subduction zones during the last decade; however, the relationship between shallow slip events and seismicity is unclear. We report episodic slow slip events and seismicity at the southernmost Ryukyu Trench. The inversion results from GPS‐derived cumulative displacements indicate that the slow slip events occur offshore in northeastern Taiwan on the shallow subduction interface, where high seismic V P / V S ratios applies. Seismicity is observed above the subduction interface for locations of significant variations in the V P / V S ratio and does not follow the migration of peak slip along the subduction interface. We calculated the temporal evolution between the seismicity and the propagation of slow slip events and determined that seismicity is not primarily driven by slip propagation. The spatiotemporal relationship, coupled with the V P / V S ratio, suggests that high‐pressure fluid activity may be crucial to episodes of slow slip events and seismicity.
SDGs
Type
journal article