Deep, shallow and surface fault-zone deformation during and after the
2021 Mw7.4 Maduo, Qinghai, earthquake illuminates fault structural
immaturity
Abstract
Long-term fault growth involves the dynamic evolution of fault zone
architecture, structural maturity, and physical properties. Accurate
characterization of these features is essential for improved
understanding of fault mechanics, rupture dynamics and earthquake
hazard. Fault structural maturity has traditionally been quantified via
analysis of geological features. Nonetheless, the manifestations of an
incipient fault are still poorly known, partly due to a lack of fault
outcrops and limited diagnostic characteristics of this type of fault.
In this study, we integrate coseismic and postseismic geodetic
(InSAR/GPS) observations, relocated aftershocks, optical satellite
imagery, and field measurements to characterize the fault kinematics of
the May 21 2001 Mw7.4 Maduo earthquake, which occurred on an immature
fault. Using relocated aftershocks, we determine the fault damage zone
thickness and damage density decay at a comparable resolution with field
geological investigations. We analyze surface inelastic strain along the
rupture using both InSAR and optical images. We construct a buried slip
model and refine the coseismic slip distribution to determine a shallow
slip deficit, which we attribute to off-fault deformation. We also
examine the afterslip distribution and moment release following the
earthquake to probe its relationship with coseismic rupture. All pieces
of evidence point to the dominant role of immaturity of the fault
hosting the Maduo earthquake. Our study demonstrates that the combined
analysis of seismological data, geodetic observations and field
measurements helps to comprehensively characterize fault structural
maturity and to better understand the role of single earthquakes in the
long-term fault zone evolution.