Seismogenic layer

The seismogenic layer is the range of depths within the crust or lithosphere over which most earthquakes are initiated.[1] Typically in continental crust this is in the uppermost 15 km.[2] The base of this layer represents the downwards change in deformation mechanism from elastic and frictional processes associated with brittle faulting to a generally aseismic zone where ductile creep becomes the dominant process. The location of this change in deformation style is sometimes referred to as the Brittle-ductile transition zone.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Wáng, Rén (2002). The Mechanics of Earthquakes and Faulting. Cambridge University Press. p. 152. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  2. ↑ Scholz, Christopher (1996). Mechanics Problems In Geodynamics: Part 2. Birkhäuser. p. 730. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  3. ↑ Cole, J.; Hacker, B.; Ratschbacher, L.; Dolan, J.; Seward, G.; Frost, E.; Frank, W. (2007). "Localized ductile shear below the seismogenic zone: Structural analysis of an exhumed strike-slip fault, Austrian Alps". Journal of Geophysical Research 112. doi:10.1029/2007JB004975.