Can laboratory friction laws accurately predict earthquake behavior? This review synthesizes research on rock friction and frictional properties of earthquake faults, delving into the fundamental basis for rate- and state-dependent friction laws. The study explains the friction state variable as a measure of average asperity contact time and porosity within granular fault gouge. The evolution of friction during stationary contact is presented, discussing the link between modern friction laws and static friction. The implications of frictional healing, as seen by increased static friction during quasistationary contact and related to fault healing are reviewed. Measurements of frictional healing, as evidenced by increasing static friction during quasistationary contact, are reviewed, as are their implications for fault healing. Shear localization in fault gouge is discussed, and the relationship between microstructures and friction is reviewed. Physical models for characteristic friction distance are discussed, and the problem of scaling this parameter to seismic faults are reviewed. Afterslip, laboratory friction data, and the inverse correlation between afterslip and shallow coseismic slip are considered, in the context of a model for afterslip. This comprehensive review bridges the gap between lab experiments and real-world seismic events. The data indicate differences in the behavior of bare rock surfaces as compared to shear within granular fault gouge that can be attributed to dilation within fault gouge. The absence of afterslip is predicted by the model. This review provides valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners in seismology, geology, and geophysics.
Appearing in the Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, this review aligns perfectly with the journal's aim to provide comprehensive overviews of key topics. By synthesizing laboratory-derived friction laws and their application to seismic faulting, it contributes to a deeper understanding of earth processes and their implications for planetary science.
| Category | Category Repetition |
|---|---|
| Science: Geology | 808 |
| Science: Physics: Geophysics. Cosmic physics | 174 |
| Science: Physics | 125 |
| Science: Science (General) | 93 |
| Technology: Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) | 68 |