Geometrically controlled slow slip enhanced by seismic waves: A mechanism for delayed triggering

Seismic waves generated during earthquakes induce transient stress changes in the crust. These ephemeral perturbations can trigger critically stressed asperities at remote distances, often with significant time delays. The physical mechanism that governs this phenomenon is not completely resolved. Numerical simulations of dynamic passing along a heterogeneous pre-stressed fault, demonstrate weak portions fault host ongoing slow slip transfer response to perturbations, loading poised for failure. We find magnitude perturbation, state asperity, as well deformation surrounding material, jointly control delay between perturbation and triggered event. slow-slip modulated delayed triggering model we propose account wide range observed times nature, including two end-member cases no triggering. Triggered events nature might provide warning signs impending earthquakes, underscoring importance high-resolution monitoring active zones.