The effect of seamount subduction on seismic coupling

Research Article| June 01, 1997 The effect of seamount subduction on seismic coupling Christopher H. Scholz; Christopher H. Scholz 1Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Christopher Small Christopher Small 1Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1997) 25 (6): 487–490. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1997)0252.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Christopher H. Scholz, Christopher Small; The effect of seamount subduction on seismic coupling. Geology 1997;; 25 (6): 487–490. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1997)0252.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract It has long been speculated that the subduction of seamounts may have profound mechanical consequences, particularly on the generation of large subduction zone earthquakes. We consider this problem as a special case of the seismic coupling model of Scholz and Campos. The model predicts that the subduction of a large seamount will increase the normal stress across the subduction interface and hence will enhance seismic coupling. In the case of coupled arcs, this increased coupling will result in a large increase in the recurrence intervals of earthquakes. Such events will therefore appear rare in the instrumental record, as is observed. For decoupled arcs, the subduction of a large seamount should cause them to become locally coupled. Three of the latter localities have been found with satellite altimetry data, two on the Tonga-Kermadec Trench and one on the Izu-Bonin Trench. The diagnostic feature is a shallowing or obstruction of the trench axis adjacent to a chain or group of large seamounts on the subducting plate. In each case, the small to moderate plate-interface seismicity typical of decoupled seismic zones is almost completely absent in a 100–200 km arc segment, indicating that the subduction zone is locally locked, as predicted by the model. The occurrence of large interplate earthquakes at both Tonga sites confirms that they are seismically coupled. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.