Dynamical weakening of faults by acoustic fluidization
Article Abstract:
Acoustic fluidization caused by strong high-frequency vibrations is responsible for the weakening of mature faults. Energy released during the seismical slipping of a fault produces short-wavelength vibrations around the fault core. These vibrations cause the faults to slip at lower shear stresses by decreasing the normal stress on the fault. Acoustic fluidization produces a fast and a slow mode of fault slip. Younger faults are stronger because their surface contains overlapping fractures that suppress deformation, and excess energy is released due to the lack of inhomogeneities.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Multi-ringed revelation
Article Abstract:
Scientists with opposing views on the impact structure of the Chicxulub crater in Mexico are apparently joining forces to support a new interpretation that links the structure to major impact scars identified on other planets and the Moon. The new deep seismic-reflection sounding technique shows the transient crater diameter to have been around 100 kilometers, while the inner ring of uplifted breccia has an approximate 80 kilometer diameter. The prominent 170-195 kilometer ring is shown to be a fault scarp rather than the slumped rim of the crater.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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Craters unchained
Article Abstract:
Many candidate alignments of terrestrial craters have been proposed and keenly pursued by science journalists and planetary scientists. Rampino and Volk identified a potential alignment of eight crater-like structures across Kansas and Missouri. John Luczaj has found that the ages of the Rampino and Vol string of structures could not be the same and that an impact origin would be impossible. He argues that the craters originated volcanically and that the alignment is tectonic.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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