Aseismic faulting following the 1973 Nemuro-oki earthquake, Hokkaido, Japan (a retrospective study)
Abstract
Tidal records at Hanasaki, southeastern Hokkaido, are analysed to clarify the post-seismic crustal vertical movement in the 1973 Nemuro-oki, Japan, earthquake. The result shows that the post-seismic uplift, as speculated by Kasahara (1975), terminated in late 1975 and reverted to the previous rate of rapid subsidence of about 1 cm/yr. Ceasing of the post-seismic uplift, which occurred much earlier than previously speculated, could be explained by supplementary mechanisms, such as frictional resistance against creeping at the fault surface. This unexpected mode of movement, however, raises a new question about the accumulation of tectonic movements in this district. Since the subsidence rate extrapolated from geomorphological data for the past several thousand years is almost one order of magnitude lower than the recent rate as mentioned above, we have to provide some alternative explanation for the discrepancy between the two rates. In other words, simple repetition of co-, post- and inter-seismic movements in seismic cycles due to plate subduction, must be modified in this district. Several possible modifications to the subduction process are suggested, and a brief discussion of vertical movements expected in each case is given.
- Publication:
-
Pure and Applied Geophysics
- Pub Date:
- March 1980
- DOI:
- 10.1007/BF00877774
- Bibcode:
- 1980PApGe.119..392K