Abstract
Slip complexity of earthquake faults is studied based on an N-degree-of-freedom dynamical spring-slider system in the presence of slip-law-type, velocity- and state-dependent friction. Simulation results based on such a friction law show that slip complexity depends on the inhomogeneous distribution of the breaking strengths (including its pattern and degree) along the fault and nonlinear velocity- and state-dependent friction. However, for the given model parameters the former is more important than the latter in controlling slip complexity. Frictional effects obviously appear only when the distribution of the breaking strengths is inhomogeneous. In addition, the stiffness ratio, defined as the ratio of the coil spring strength, Kc, to the leaf spring strength, Kl, is also a factor in controlling slip complexity.
