The SCEC/USGS Community Stress Drop Validation Study Using the 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence

The SCEC/USGS Community Stress Drop Validation Study Using the 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence

May 22, 2024 | Annemarie Baltay, Rachel E. Abercrombie, Shanna Chu, Taka’aki Taira
The 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake sequence provides a unique opportunity for a community stress drop validation study. Researchers are invited to use a common dataset of nearly 13,000 earthquakes recorded within 1 degree of the epicenter to independently estimate stress drop using various methods. Stress drop is a key parameter in earthquake science, representing the change in average shear stress on a fault during rupture. It is crucial for ground motion, rupture simulation, and source physics problems. However, estimates of stress drop can vary significantly between studies, indicating potential uncertainties. The study aims to understand the sources of variability and uncertainty in stress drop estimates through quantitative comparison of submitted results. The dataset includes waveforms and metadata from 107 stations, covering a range of magnitudes and depths. Researchers are encouraged to analyze the data, submit their results, and participate in workshops and meetings to discuss findings. The study focuses on spectral stress drop, which is estimated by fitting the shape of the radiated energy spectrum. Different methods and assumptions can lead to variations in stress drop estimates. The study also explores how physical attributes of the earthquake source affect variability in estimates. The goal is to develop best practices for estimating spectral stress drop that can be reliably used in ground motion and hazard modeling. The study has received 47 unique submissions from 20 research groups, with some results showing consistent stress drop scaling with magnitude. However, there are systematic differences between studies, suggesting the need for further investigation into physical and methodological reasons for discrepancies. The study highlights the importance of understanding uncertainties in stress drop estimates and their implications for earthquake physics and hazard modeling. The community-driven approach aims to improve the reliability of stress drop estimates and enhance understanding of earthquake rupture processes.The 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake sequence provides a unique opportunity for a community stress drop validation study. Researchers are invited to use a common dataset of nearly 13,000 earthquakes recorded within 1 degree of the epicenter to independently estimate stress drop using various methods. Stress drop is a key parameter in earthquake science, representing the change in average shear stress on a fault during rupture. It is crucial for ground motion, rupture simulation, and source physics problems. However, estimates of stress drop can vary significantly between studies, indicating potential uncertainties. The study aims to understand the sources of variability and uncertainty in stress drop estimates through quantitative comparison of submitted results. The dataset includes waveforms and metadata from 107 stations, covering a range of magnitudes and depths. Researchers are encouraged to analyze the data, submit their results, and participate in workshops and meetings to discuss findings. The study focuses on spectral stress drop, which is estimated by fitting the shape of the radiated energy spectrum. Different methods and assumptions can lead to variations in stress drop estimates. The study also explores how physical attributes of the earthquake source affect variability in estimates. The goal is to develop best practices for estimating spectral stress drop that can be reliably used in ground motion and hazard modeling. The study has received 47 unique submissions from 20 research groups, with some results showing consistent stress drop scaling with magnitude. However, there are systematic differences between studies, suggesting the need for further investigation into physical and methodological reasons for discrepancies. The study highlights the importance of understanding uncertainties in stress drop estimates and their implications for earthquake physics and hazard modeling. The community-driven approach aims to improve the reliability of stress drop estimates and enhance understanding of earthquake rupture processes.
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