Shaking earth: Non-linear seismic processes and the second law of thermodynamics: A case study from Canterbury (New Zealand) earthquakes

Earthquakes are non-linear phenomena that often treated as a chaotic natural processes. We propose the use of Second Law Thermodynamics and entropy, H, an indicator equilibrium state seismically active region (a seismic system). In this sense, in paper we demonstrate exportability first principles (e.g., thermodynamics laws) to others scientific fields seismology). suggest relationship between increasing H occurrence large earthquakes reflects irreversible transition system. From point view, system evolves from unstable initial (due external stresses) reduced stress after earthquake. This is entails increase entropy. other words, metastable situation can be characterised by Thermodynamics. investigated two episodes Canterbury area New Zealand: 2010 Christchurch earthquake (M = 7.2) 2016 Kaikoura 7.8). The results remarkably line with our theoretical forecasts. earthquake, understood transition, must