Earthquake Energy Radiation Across Spectrum: a multidisciplinary study

Project Information

ERASMUS

Grant agreement ID: 101066069

DOI

10.3030/101066069

Project closed

EC signature date 17 August 2022

Start date 1 November 2022

End date 31 October 2024

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 173 847,36

Coordinated by

GFZ HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM FUR GEOFORSCHUNG
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ERASMUS (Earthquake Energy Radiation Across Spectrum: a multidisciplinary study)

Reporting period: 2022-11-01 to 2024-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Earthquakes remain one of the most destructive natural phenomena, posing significant risks to lives, infrastructure, and economies worldwide. The ability to predict and mitigate these risks depends on a deep understanding of the mechanics behind seismic events, particularly the generation and propagation of high-frequency radiation during earthquakes. My project was motivated by the need to address critical gaps in our understanding of these processes, with a focus on the role of rupture speed and its relationship to geological features like damage zones. By combining advanced methodologies and interdisciplinary perspectives, the project sought to improve our ability to assess seismic hazards.

The overall objective of the project was to develop innovative approaches to analyze and model earthquake sources using a combination of seismogeodetic data, Bayesian inversion techniques, and geophysical and geological insights. This required tackling scientific challenges, such as the variability in rupture speeds and its implications for seismic hazard assessments. Additionally, the project aimed to bridge the gap between active tectonics research and earthquake hazard modeling by fostering a multidisciplinary dialogue between these communities.

The pathway to impact has been shaped by several key components of the project. First, the use of high-resolution datasets, particularly those from the February 2023 Turkish earthquake doublet, provided a unique opportunity to refine our understanding of rupture mechanics. Second, the development of advanced Bayesian frameworks has introduced new tools for integrating diverse data sources into hazard models. Third, the collaborative environment of the host institution, GFZ, enabled the expansion of my professional network and the establishment of long-term partnerships across countries like Turkey, Chile, and France. These collaborations have not only enriched the project but also laid the groundwork for future research initiatives.

Beyond the scientific achievements, the project has prioritized training and capacity building. Through mentorship, teaching, and outreach activities, I have contributed to developing the next generation of Earth scientists while refining my own skills in communication, project management, and public engagement. This emphasis on knowledge transfer and collaboration ensures that the project’s outcomes will have a lasting impact, both within the scientific community and beyond.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The technical and scientific activities of the project have advanced our understanding of high-frequency radiation from earthquake sources and its implications for seismic hazard assessment. A key focus was the development and refinement of kinematic inversions to analyze earthquake rupture processes. Initial efforts involved implementing a Bayesian framework to estimate rupture speed variability in the frequency domain. This approach allowed for a more detailed understanding of how rupture speed interacts with geological features, such as damage zones. While progress was steady, challenges in integrating diverse data sources and balancing computational feasibility required iterative improvements to the model. A critical milestone was the development of methods to reduce inversion complexity, improving both speed and resolution without compromising accuracy.

Another central element of the project was the study of high-frequency radiation sources. Using datasets from the February 2023 Turkish earthquake doublet, we investigated the role of rupture dynamics and their geological controls. These analyses revealed strong correlations between rupture variability and local geological structures, providing insights into the conditions that amplify high-frequency seismic waves. This work underscored the strong relationship between high-frequency radiation and geological features such as the extension of the damage zone.

The structured approach of the project has resulted in tangible progress in understanding the mechanics of earthquake ruptures and their broader implications for seismic hazard assessments. By integrating geophysical and geological information, the project provides insights into the impact of earthquake rupture speed variability and the extent of damage zones, highlighting their role in the destruction caused by earthquakes. These achievements not only meet the core objectives of the project but also lay the groundwork for further exploration and innovation in addressing challenges in earthquake mechanics and hazard assessment.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

This project has delivered several results that push the boundaries of our current understanding in the fields of earthquake mechanics and seismic hazard assessment. By advancing the integration of high-frequency source analyses with geodetic and geological observations, the project has addressed critical gaps in understanding the role of rupture speed variability and its interaction with geological structures such as damage zones. These findings provide new insights into how earthquakes generate high-frequency radiation, contributing to more accurate hazard models that better reflect real-world complexities.

The project’s findings have practical implications that extend beyond academia. For example, the insights gained from the February 2023 Turkish earthquake doublet demonstrate the importance of considering geological features in assessing the destructive potential of seismic events. These results underscore the value of long-term observatories and high-resolution datasets in improving predictive models. Furthermore, the methodologies developed during the project can serve as benchmarks for future studies, offering tools that are transferable to different tectonic settings worldwide.

The project not only advances the state of the art in earthquake science but also provides a strong foundation for ongoing innovation. By addressing fundamental questions about earthquake mechanics and their implications for hazard assessment, it contributes to the broader goal of building safer and more resilient communities.