The effect of along-strike variation in dip on rupture propagation on strike-slip faults

Abstract Strike-slip faults can be nonplanar in both their strike and dip dimensions. While a large body of work has investigated the effects changes on earthquake rupture arrest, no previous studies have role along-strike variations strike-slip ruptures. Here, I use three-dimensional finite-element method to conduct dynamic simulations ruptures with linear surface traces along strike. experiment amount change as well abruptness that under variety initial stress conditions. In all my cases, find cause stop, larger over shorter distances are more likely do so. This is largely due at depth inherently comes from changing dip; majority these behaviors result front being forced direction mid-rupture. some dip-slip movement does occur nonvertical parts model fault, it not significant effect extent. However, linear-surface-trace, nonvertical-dip produce different slip, stress, ground motion patterns compared corresponding nonlinear-strike, vertical-dip faults. Together, results show considerably impact process, suggesting this type geometrical complexity should considered forecasts hazard assessments.