Physics-Informed Neural Networks for fault slip monitoring: simulation,
frictional parameter estimation, and prediction on slow slip events in a
spring-slider system
Abstract
The episodic transient fault slips called slow slip events (SSEs) have
been observed in many subduction zones. These slips often occur in
regions adjacent to the seismogenic zone during the interseismic period,
making monitoring SSEs significant for understanding large earthquakes.
Various fault slip behaviors, including SSEs and earthquakes, can be
explained by the spatial heterogeneity of frictional properties on the
fault. Therefore, estimating frictional properties from geodetic
observations and physics-based models is crucial for fault slip
monitoring. In this study, we propose a Physics-Informed Neural Network
(PINN)-based new approach to simulate fault slip evolutions, estimate
frictional parameters from observation data, and predict subsequent
fault slips. PINNs, which integrate physical laws and observation data,
represent the solution of physics-based differential equations. As a
first step, we validate the effectiveness of the PINN-based approach
using a simple single-degree-of-freedom spring-slider system to model
SSEs. As a forward problem, we successfully reproduced the temporal
evolution of SSEs using PINNs and indicated how we should choose the
appropriate collocation points depending on the residuals of
physics-based differential equations. As an inverse problem, we
estimated the frictional parameters from synthetic observation data and
demonstrated the ability to obtain accurate values regardless of the
choice of first-guess values. Furthermore, we discussed the potential of
the predictability of the subsequent fault slips using limited
observation data, taking into account uncertainties. Our results
indicate the significant potential of PINNs for fault slip monitoring.