Data assimilation for fault slip monitoring and short-term prediction of spatio-temporal evolution of slow slip events: application to the 2010 long-term slow slip event in the Bungo Channel, Japan

Abstract

Abstract Monitoring and predicting fault slip behaviors in subduction zones is essential for understanding earthquake cycles and assessing future earthquake potential. We developed a data assimilation method for fault slip monitoring and the short-term prediction of slow slip events, and applied to the 2010 Bungo Channel slow slip event in southwest Japan. The observed geodetic data were quantitatively explained using a physics-based model with data assimilation. We investigated short-term predictability by assimilating observation data within limited periods. Without prior constraints on fault slip style, observations solely during slip acceleration predicted the occurrence of a fast slip; however, the inclusion of slip deceleration data successfully predicted a slow transient slip. With prior constraints to exclude unstable slip, the assimilation of data after slow slip event occurrence also predicted a slow transient slip. This study provides a tool using data assimilation for fault slip monitoring and prediction based on real observation data. Graphical Abstract

Keywords

• Slow slip event
• Data assimilation
• Global Navigation Satellite System
• Bungo Channel
• Frictional parameter