Investigating the origins of observed variability of slow slip events with fault slip simulations

Slow slip events (SSEs) in subduction zones around the world exhibit a wide range of recurrence intervals, durations, and spatial extents. In some regions, most notably Cascadia, distinct along-strike segmentation of these SSE characteristics have been observed. Yet the temporal extent of the SSE record is insufficient to determine whether along-strike variation in segmentation of SSEs persists beyond human time-scales. Here we employ the earthquake simulator RSQSim to model a simple, planar megathrust, which consists of seismogenic, slow slip, and continuous creep sections. The slow slip section is segmented to explore potential causes of along-strike variability in recurrence intervals, durations, and spatial extent, by varying parameters such as the effective normal stress, frictional properties, slip rates, and fault geometry. RSQSim enables simulations of long histories of SSEs over all orders of magnitude to allow for robust characterization of the variation in parameters. Preliminary results suggest even small variations in these parameters have a significant effect on observable characteristics of SSEs, which may illuminate the primary controls on along-strike variability and help establish a framework for understanding SSEs worldwide.