JOURNAL ARTICLE

Deep down in the fault zone.

  • Published In: Science, 2025, v. 389, n. 6766. P. 1190 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Padilla, Alba M. Rodriguez 3 of 3

Abstract

Tectonic stresses are transmitted to a fault through the surrounding fractured and altered rock, or fault zone. Measuring how seismic velocities (wavespeeds) behave in a fault zone offers a rare insight into the properties and deformation mechanisms operating within it. However, most wavespeed monitoring methods only resolve velocity changes at very shallow depths (<5 km below the surface). This constraint has obscured the deeper parts of fault zones where earthquakes initiate and grow. On page 1256 of this issue, Bryan et al. (1) report the evolution of seismic velocities from 0 to 20 km below Earth's surface around a fault zone by using teleseismic receiver functions. This approach could help scientists understand the processes that operate deep within a fault zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Science. 2025/09, Vol. 389, Issue 6766, p1190
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Geology
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0036-8075
  • DOI:10.1126/science.aeb0721
  • Accession Number:188104209
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