Modelling stress accumulation and crustal deformation associated with earthquake cycles at plate boundaries

We developed a kinematic earthquake cycle model applicable to transform fault zones, subduction zones, and collision zones on the basis of elastic dislocation theory. The crustal deformation associated with the periodic occurrence of interplate earthquakes is generally given by the superposition of viscoelastic responses to steady slip on the whole plate boundary, steady back slip on the seismic zone, and a sequence of periodic seismic slips. The essential points in the modelling are as follows. Interaction between adjacent plates can be naturally represented by the increase of discontinuity in tangential displacement across the plate boundary. Viscoelastic stress relaxation of the asthenosphere strongly aaects the crustal deformation during interseis-mic period. The eeect of gravity is essential in the case of subduction zones. Crustal deformation and stress accumulation due to steady plate subduction can not be neglected.