Recent studies of reservoir-induced seismicity have led to a better understanding of the seismogenic crust. These studies reveal that many parts of the seismogenic crust are critically stressed and small strength changes induced by reservoir impoundment can lead to seismicity. In the vicinity of the reservoir impoundment causes an immediate undrained response to the loading, and a delayed respo...

Mature seismic gaps are defined here as gaps in which a possible precursor to a future event has been identified. The seismic potential of these seismic gaps is enhanced relative to immature seismic gaps. The seismic gap hypothesis by itself provides an excellent means of narrowing spatial limits along plate boundaries within which the great earthquakes of the next several decades are expected....

Seismic hazard analyses are associated with large uncertainties when historical data are insufficient to define secular rates of seismicity. Such uncertainties may be decreased with geological data in areas where seismicity is shallow and produced by Quaternary faulting. To illustrate, we examine intraplate Japan. Large intraplate earthquakes in Japan characteristically produce surface ruptures...

In lieu of comprehensive instrumental seismic monitoring, short historical records, and limited fault trench investigations for many seismically active areas, the sedimentary record provides important archives of seismicity in the form of preserved horizons of soft-sediment deformation features, termed seismites. Here we report on extensive seismites in the Late Quaternary-Recent (≤ ~ 28,000 ye...

The cause of intermediate-depth (> 40 km) seismicity in subduction zones is not well understood. The viability of proposed mechanisms, which include dehydration embrittlement, shear instabilities and the presence of fluids in general, depends significantly on local conditions, including pressure, temperature and composition. The wellinstrumented and well-studied subduction zone below Northern J...