The problem of the earthquake source physics: Models and contradictions

An adequate interpretation of small magnitudes of seismogenic stresses is n ot the only problem involved in the traditional model of seismogenesis repr esented by a brittle failure in a field of intense tectonic stresses. An ad equate model of seismogenesis should also explain the internal structure of ancient seismogenic zones and seismic source areas. Models including only the mechanical aspect of the fluid-rock interaction do not meet these requi rements. The problems mentioned above can be qualitatively resolved within the framework of the fluid-metamorphic model of the earthquake source discu ssed in this work.