Maomao Wang, Philip M. Barnes, Demian Saffer, Gregory F. Moore, Haoran Ma, Ming Wang, Jinbao Su
{"title":"Effects of incoming polygonal fault systems on subduction zone and slow slip behavior","authors":"Maomao Wang, Philip M. Barnes, Demian Saffer, Gregory F. Moore, Haoran Ma, Ming Wang, Jinbao Su","doi":"10.1126/sciadv.adu4227","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div >The physical properties of subduction inputs profoundly influence megathrust slip behavior. Seismic data reveal extensive polygonal fault systems (PFSs) in the input sequences of the Hikurangi Margin and Nankai Trough. The mechanical and hydrological effects of these incoming PFSs on subduction zones are potentially substantial. Here, we investigate their effects following transport into the accretionary wedge by integrating discrete-element modeling with three-dimensional seismic interpretation. We find that the typical dips of the incoming PFSs overlap with modeled dips prone to reactivation and confirm that subducting PFSs can be reactivated and gradually evolve into major thrust faults. Comparisons with electromagnetic data indicate that PFSs may provide conduits for fluid leakage along the plate interface, coincide with disrupted strata and decreased shear stress, and enhance geometric and stress heterogeneity along the megathrust. These suggest that PFSs may play a previously unrecognized role in contributing to shallow slow earthquake phenomena in subduction zones.</div>","PeriodicalId":21609,"journal":{"name":"Science Advances","volume":"11 27","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.7000,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.science.org/doi/reader/10.1126/sciadv.adu4227","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Science Advances","FirstCategoryId":"103","ListUrlMain":"https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adu4227","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The physical properties of subduction inputs profoundly influence megathrust slip behavior. Seismic data reveal extensive polygonal fault systems (PFSs) in the input sequences of the Hikurangi Margin and Nankai Trough. The mechanical and hydrological effects of these incoming PFSs on subduction zones are potentially substantial. Here, we investigate their effects following transport into the accretionary wedge by integrating discrete-element modeling with three-dimensional seismic interpretation. We find that the typical dips of the incoming PFSs overlap with modeled dips prone to reactivation and confirm that subducting PFSs can be reactivated and gradually evolve into major thrust faults. Comparisons with electromagnetic data indicate that PFSs may provide conduits for fluid leakage along the plate interface, coincide with disrupted strata and decreased shear stress, and enhance geometric and stress heterogeneity along the megathrust. These suggest that PFSs may play a previously unrecognized role in contributing to shallow slow earthquake phenomena in subduction zones.
期刊介绍:
Science Advances, an open-access journal by AAAS, publishes impactful research in diverse scientific areas. It aims for fair, fast, and expert peer review, providing freely accessible research to readers. Led by distinguished scientists, the journal supports AAAS's mission by extending Science magazine's capacity to identify and promote significant advances. Evolving digital publishing technologies play a crucial role in advancing AAAS's global mission for science communication and benefitting humankind.