Journal Article

Characteristic Slow‐Slip Events on the Superstition Hills Fault, Southern California

Štěpančíková, Petra, Rockwell, Thomas, Tábořík, Petr, Stemberk, Jakub, Bilham, Roger, Vavra, Ellis J., Fialko, Yuri, Stemberk, Josef

2024

Overview

The Superstition Hills Fault (SHF) exhibits a rich spectrum of slip modes, including M 6+ earthquakes, afterslip, quasi‐steady creep, and both triggered and spontaneous slow slip events (SSEs). Following 13 years of quiescence, creepmeters recorded 25 mm of slip during 16–19 May 2023. Additional sub‐events brought the total slip to 41 mm. The event nucleated on the northern SHF in early‐May and propagated bi‐laterally at rates on the order of kilometers per day. Surface offsets reveal a bi‐modal slip distribution, with slip on the northern section of the fault being less localized and lower amplitude compared to the southern section. Kinematic slip models confirm systematic variations in the slip distribution along‐strike and with depth and suggest that slip is largely confined to the shallow sedimentary layer. Observations and models of the 2023 SSE bear a strong similarity to previous slip episodes in 1999, 2006, and 2010, suggesting a characteristic behavior. Plain Language Summary Studying the mechanical properties and behavior of faults is essential for understanding earthquake ruptures. In this study, we investigate a recent slip event on the Superstition Hills Fault (SHF), which has a well‐documented record of slip. A notable aspect of the SHF is that it periodically undergoes “slow slip events” (SSEs), where the fault slips and releases energy without any accompanied ground shaking. During May‐July 2023, the SHF experienced a major SSE for the first time in 13 years. Our analysis shows that it was the largest documented SSE on the SHF and released equivalent energy to a magnitude 4.5 earthquake. We also find that the spatial pattern of fault slip is very similar to several previous slip events in 1999, 2006, and 2010, suggesting that the SHF has a tendency to slip in a characteristic manner. Key Points We document a recent spontaneous slow slip event (SSE) on the Superstition Hills Fault using creepmeter, Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, Global Navigation Satellite System, and field measurements Over 41 mm of slip occurred from mid‐May to mid‐July 2023, with moment release corresponding to a Mw 4.5 earthquake The kinematics of the 2023 event are remarkably similar to several previous SSEs, suggesting a characteristic rupture process

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc,Wiley
• Subject: Aseismic slip / Earthquakes / fault creep / Fault lines / fault mechanics / Hills / Kinematics / Mechanical properties / Seismic activity / Shaking / Slip / slow slip event / strike slip faults / Superhigh frequencies / Superstition Hills fault