Slip along faults is a fundamental process in plate tectonics. Brittle failure localized on faults accommodates the majority of upper crustal deformation in the majority of tectonic settings. In the deeper lithosphere fault related shear zones can be the locus of both brittle and ductile strain. The spatial-temporal behavior of faults is fundamental for the generation of earthquakes. Steady accumulation of elastic strain around a fault zone over long time periods leads to seismic slip when the elastic strain exceeds the strength of the fractured rocks. However, faults can show significant departure from this simple model, with steady state fault creep caused when the fault zone lacks the strength required to accumulate elastic strain. Understanding, the mechanical, chemical, and geometric characteristics of faults, coupled with direct observations of fault slip style and rate, are key to unraveling how faults behave in space and time. Faults range in scale of length and displacement from sub mm-scale micro-fractures to ~1000 km long fault segments, the rupture of which can generate magnitude 9 earthquakes. Understanding fault scaling, and scale dependence on deformation processes, are key for understanding how fault systems grow and evolve through time.
With this Research Topic we aim to create an overview of both ancient and tectonically active faults around the world, looking at their different types, origin, and behavior in space and time, etc., as well as research that links fault characteristics and behavior to other fields such as Earth hazards.
The manuscripts submitted should take into consideration the below potential topics, though other related submissions are also encouraged:
• Fault characteristics from around the world;
• Modelling of various types of faults;
• Hazards linked to the different types of faults;
• Future research developments.
Slip along faults is a fundamental process in plate tectonics. Brittle failure localized on faults accommodates the majority of upper crustal deformation in the majority of tectonic settings. In the deeper lithosphere fault related shear zones can be the locus of both brittle and ductile strain. The spatial-temporal behavior of faults is fundamental for the generation of earthquakes. Steady accumulation of elastic strain around a fault zone over long time periods leads to seismic slip when the elastic strain exceeds the strength of the fractured rocks. However, faults can show significant departure from this simple model, with steady state fault creep caused when the fault zone lacks the strength required to accumulate elastic strain. Understanding, the mechanical, chemical, and geometric characteristics of faults, coupled with direct observations of fault slip style and rate, are key to unraveling how faults behave in space and time. Faults range in scale of length and displacement from sub mm-scale micro-fractures to ~1000 km long fault segments, the rupture of which can generate magnitude 9 earthquakes. Understanding fault scaling, and scale dependence on deformation processes, are key for understanding how fault systems grow and evolve through time.
With this Research Topic we aim to create an overview of both ancient and tectonically active faults around the world, looking at their different types, origin, and behavior in space and time, etc., as well as research that links fault characteristics and behavior to other fields such as Earth hazards.
The manuscripts submitted should take into consideration the below potential topics, though other related submissions are also encouraged:
• Fault characteristics from around the world;
• Modelling of various types of faults;
• Hazards linked to the different types of faults;
• Future research developments.
