- #1
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Slip faults, particularly strike-slip faults, can indeed generate large tsunamis, contrary to previous beliefs. The discussion highlights the concept of "supershear," where slip velocity exceeds S-wave speed but remains below P-wave speed. The San Andreas Fault and Gulf of Aqaba are identified as high-risk areas for tsunami generation, while the mid-Atlantic Ridge, characterized by spreading rather than lateral movement, is less likely to produce similar events. Transform faults exist within the mid-Atlantic Ridge, but their geometry may not favor tsunami generation as effectively as faults in the Pacific. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for assessing tsunami risks associated with different fault types.
- #2
Twigg
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My background in geophysics is weak, but I have a couple questions.
"Supershear" means the peak velocity of the slip is greater than the S-wave speed (but less than the P-wave) speed, right?
Also, the article notes that the San Andreas and Gulf of Aqaba share a similar risk. Why not the mid-Atlantic ridge? Are there no regions on the Atlantic coast with the right geometry to generate tsunamis via this mechanism or do the earthquakes have to be closer to the bay? Or do supershear earthquakes not occur in the mid-Atlantic?
"Supershear" means the peak velocity of the slip is greater than the S-wave speed (but less than the P-wave) speed, right?
Also, the article notes that the San Andreas and Gulf of Aqaba share a similar risk. Why not the mid-Atlantic ridge? Are there no regions on the Atlantic coast with the right geometry to generate tsunamis via this mechanism or do the earthquakes have to be closer to the bay? Or do supershear earthquakes not occur in the mid-Atlantic?
- #3
Tom.G
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The mid-Atlantic Ridge is a spreading center (moving apart at 2.5cm per yr.), not a region where the tectonic plates are sliding past each other, as they are
around the Pacific Ocean.
You might find this site interesting:
http://portal.gplates.org/#SEAFLOOR
Cheers,
Tom
around the Pacific Ocean.
You might find this site interesting:
http://portal.gplates.org/#SEAFLOOR
Cheers,
Tom
- #4
davenn
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They are a good mix of both. The spreading ridge is sliced up like a loaf of bread with dozens ( probably 100's ) of transform ( strike-slip ) faultsTom.G said:
here's just a quick section out of Google Earth. ALL those horizontal lines are transform faults chopping up the MOR