- #1
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SUMMARY
Slip faults, particularly strike-slip faults, can generate significant 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 the Gulf of Aqaba are identified as high-risk areas for tsunami generation, unlike the mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is characterized by spreading rather than lateral movement. Transform faults at the mid-Atlantic Ridge do exist but do not facilitate tsunami generation in the same manner as those in the Pacific region.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of "supershear" phenomena in seismology
- Familiarity with strike-slip fault mechanics
- Knowledge of tectonic plate boundaries and their movements
- Basic concepts of tsunami generation and propagation
- Research the mechanics of "supershear" earthquakes and their implications
- Study the characteristics of strike-slip faults and their role in tsunami generation
- Explore the tectonic dynamics of the mid-Atlantic Ridge and its geological features
- Investigate the relationship between fault geometry and tsunami risk in various regions
Geophysicists, seismologists, disaster management professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the relationship between tectonic activity and tsunami generation.
- #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