The earthquake physics research thematic focuses on the dynamics and physics of earthquakes including nucleation, dynamic rupture and wave propagation, stress field interactions, tsunami generation, and the statistical physics of crustal fault systems. Due to the huge breadth of spatial and temporal scales involved, multiple numerical methodologies are applied to study various aspects of the phenomena.
Earthquakes are a frictional stick-slip instability arising along pre-existing faults within the brittle crust of the Earth. Long-term tectonic plate motion causes stress to accumulate around faults until the frictional strength of the fault is exceeded. Subsequent frictional sliding generates seismic waves that travel through the earth, causing major damage in places nearby to large faults. Undersea earthquakes may generate tsunamis capable of devastating coastal communities.
ESSCC has a long history of earthquake simulation research, commencing in 1994 with the establishment of the Queensland University Advanced Centre for Earthquake Studies (QUAKES). Our research is dedicated to the development of new techniques to simulate all aspects of earthquake generation with the aim of providing insight into the physics of earthquakes, the scientific underpinning for earthquake forecasting research. Major past achievements include the partial resolution of the long-standing Heat Flow Paradox of earthquakes and the development of continuum models for static stress interactions within crustal fault systems, and more recently, continuum models for dynamic earthquake rupture and wave propagation.
Current research focuses upon application of these continuum models to real fault systems and the development of techniques for simulation-based seismic hazard assessment for regions with low seismicity rates, such as Australia. The simulation research is complemented by active participation by ESSCC in the seismic monitoring activities of the State of Queensland. ESSCC operates and maintains 6 seismographs in south-east Queensland and provides regular seismicity reports to the Gold Coast City Council.
Amble observational, theoretical and numerical evidence exists demonstrating that earthquake faults interact via both static and dynamic stress field interactions. These interactions give rise to self-organisation of seismicity patterns unique to a given fault system. Utilising cellular automaton models for fault systems and techniques derived from statistical physics, we are providing insight into the long-term seismicity patterns and spatio-temporal variability of seismicity rates within crustal fault systems. Coupled with research on new techniques for quantitative earthquake forecasting, ESSCC is a leading efforts to develop a capacity for reliable forecasting of large or potentially damaging earthquakes.
Software development at ESSCC has always been focused upon development of flexible, general purpose tools for modelling geophysical phenomena. This focus has provided the capacity to adapt to new and challenging research directions including the simulation of tsunami generation within subduction zones. The generation of tsunamis is notoriously difficult to predict. Often large magnitude earthquakes generate no tsunami whilst smaller magnitude, shallow earthquakes may result in significant inundation of coastal regions. We aim to simulate the seismicity of subduction zones to improve understanding of the seismicity patterns in such regions and the potential for tsunami-genic earthquakes.
The ESSCC earthquake simulation software has also been adapted to study geothermal energy reservoirs, a promising source of renewable energy. In conjunction with Geodyamics Ltd. we are developing the capacity to simulate the life-cycle of geothermal energy facilities with the aim of discovering new techniques to prolong the useful life-span of the facilities. This simulation capability will provide a quantitative framework for planning, construction and maintenance of geothermal energy facilities.
The earthquake physics research thematic currently has 5 major projects:
Dynamic Rupture
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Tsunami Generation
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Geothermal Energy
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Interacting Faults
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Qld Seismicity & Hazard
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