One-dimensional dynamic simulations of slip complexity of earthquake faults

Slip complexity of earthquake faults is studied based on an N-degree-of-fre edom dynamical spring-slider system in the presence of slip-law-type, veloc ity- and state-dependent friction. Simulation results based on such a frict ion law show that slip complexity depends on the inhomogeneous distribution of the breaking strengths (including its pattern and degree) along the fau lt and nonlinear velocity- and state-dependent friction. However, for the g iven model parameters the former is more important than the latter in contr olling slip complexity. Frictional effects obviously appear only when the d istribution of the breaking strengths is inhomogeneous. In addition, the st iffness ratio, defined as the ratio of the coil spring strength, K-c, to th e leaf spring strength, K-l, is also a factor in controlling slip complexit y.