Investigating the effect of induced stress perturbation on the slip behavior of faults through numerical simulations

摘要

Earthquakes triggered by industrial activities in the sub-surface are causing worldwide concerns in recent years. To effectively mitigate the associated seismic hazard, the key is to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the source physics and the triggering mechanisms of induced seismicity. A better quantification of the possible causes of induced earthquakes can be achieved through numerical simulations. This study presents a set of simulations in which the fault experiences fluid-induced shear stress perturbations. In particular, two aspects of the perturbation are studied: timing and magnitude. We compare the difference in both seismic and aseismic slip on the fault with the case where the stress perturbation is absent. Results show that induced stress perturbations can cause a wide range of responses, including the advancement of the next earthquake, instantaneous triggering of seismic events and aseismic transients, as well as advancing and delaying subsequent earthquakes in the long term. Our numerical model can potentially shed light on understanding site-specific triggering mechanisms.