Maxwell: A Semi-analytic 4D Code for Earthquake Cycle Modeling of Transform Fault Systems

David T. Sandwell, & Bridget R. Smith-Konter

Published January 6, 2018, SCEC Contribution #8007

We have developed a semi-analytic approach (and computational code) for rapidly calculating 3D time-dependent deformation and stress caused by screw dislocations imbedded within an elastic layer overlying a Maxwell viscoelastic half-space. The maxwell model is developed in the Fourier domain to exploit the computational advantages of the convolution theorem, hence substantially reducing the computational burden associated with an arbitrar- ily complex distribution of force couples necessary for fault modeling. The new aspect of this development is the ability to model lateral variations in shear modulus. Ten benchmark examples are provided for testing and verifi- cation of the algorithms and code. One final example simulates interseismic deformation along the San Andreas Fault System where lateral variations in shear modulus are included to simulate lateral variations in lithospheric structure.

Citation
Sandwell, D. T., & Smith-Konter, B. R. (2018). Maxwell: A Semi-analytic 4D Code for Earthquake Cycle Modeling of Transform Fault Systems. Computers and Geosciences,. doi: doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2018.01.009.