Static Fault Model of the 1983 Nihonkai-Chubu (Japan Sea) Earthquake as Inferred from Aftershock Distributions, Crustal Deformation, and Tsunami Data

Abstract

A fault model of the 1983 Nihonkai-chubu (Japan Sea) earthquake (MJMA 7.7) was investigated on the basis of aftershock distributions, crustal deformation, and tsunami data. Since the earthquake took place under the sea off the coast of northwestern Tohoku District, there are a few land observation of crustal movement near the source area. We, therefore, have estimated the static fault parameters by comparing the wave form of observed tsunami with that of calculated from the static fault model. Trial fault parameters were derived from seismic data: focal mechanism solutions, seismic moment, and aftershock distributions with reference to the rupture process of the main shock. Our model was characterized by three fault planes trending NNE-SSW in the southern and the middle parts and NNW-SSE in the northern part, and by their low dipangle of 25°. The tsunami wave form was simulated numerically by a finite difference method. The fault model derived from seismic data reasonably explains the geodetic data and tsunamis. The calculated vertical deformation of land was consistent with the observed subsidence of 30-40 cm at Kyuroku island situated near the source area, and those of a few centimeters at Oga peninsula and Fukaura. The tsunami wave form observed at tide-gage stations along the coast of the Japan Sea was well simulated by our model as well as the model with higher dip angle. The data of strain step observed by extensometers installed in northern Japan support the low angle thrust event.