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September 17, 2026Frontiers in Earth ScienceOpen Access

FEM simulations of seismic cycle along a complex normal fault

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Authors

ZCZefei CuiSZShoubiao ZhuCXChong Xu

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Overview

Numerical simulation study reveals that steeper dip angles and elevated horizontal stress shorten recurrence intervals in complex normal faults, highlighting improved long-term seismic hazard...

Key Points

  • Develop a dynamic finite element numerical framework using adaptive time-stepping to simulate long-term seismic cycles and rupture dynamics along geometrically complex normal fault systems.
  • Implemented an implicit Newmark time-integration finite element method with adaptive time-stepping to model 1,100 years of seismic activity under a tectonic loading rate of 15 mm/year.
  • Modeled depth-dependent dip angles using rate- and state-dependent friction alongside a modified slip-weakening friction law augmented with fault healing constraints.
  • Evaluated the impact of variable fault dip angles and background horizontal stresses on earthquake recurrence intervals.
  • Simulated 10 major earthquake events over an 1,100-year span, yielding an average earthquake recurrence interval of 117 years.
  • Cumulative fault slip histories were consistent between the rate- and state-dependent friction law and the modified slip-weakening model.
  • Steeper dip angles across fault segments and elevated initial horizontal stresses consistently shortened earthquake recurrence intervals.

Cite This Study

Cui et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6aabb6635f706d05830e4c04https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2026.1891549
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