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Spagnuolo, Elena
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Spagnuolo, Elena
Email
elena.spagnuolo@ingv.it
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staff
ORCID
Scopus Author ID
36110318400
Researcher ID
E-1376-2017
63 results
Now showing 1 - 10 of 63
- PublicationOpen AccessPast seismic slip-to-the-trench recorded in Central America megathrust(2017)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;; ;; ; ;The 2011 Tōhoku-Oki earthquake revealed that co-seismic displacement along the plate boundary megathrust can propagate to the trench. Co-seismic slip to the trench amplifies hazards at subduction zones, so its historical occurrence should also be investigated globally. Here we combine structural and experimental analyses of core samples taken offshore from southeastern Costa Rica as part of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 344, with three-dimensional seismic reflection images of the subduction zone. We document a geologic record of past co-seismic slip to the trench. The core passed through a less than 1.9-million-year-old megathrust frontal ramp that superimposes older Miocene biogenic oozes onto late Miocene–Pleistocene silty clays. This, together with our stratigraphic analyses and geophysical images, constrains the position of the basal decollement to lie within the biogenic oozes. Our friction experiments show that, when wet, silty clays and biogenic oozes are both slip-weakening at sub-seismic and seismic slip velocities. Oozes are stronger than silty clays at slip velocities of less than or equal to 0.01 m s–1, and wet oozes become as weak as silty clays only at a slip velocity of 1 m s–1. We therefore suggest that the geological structures found offshore from Costa Rica were deformed during seismic slip-to-the-trench events. During slower aseismic creep, deformation would have preferentially localized within the silty clays.301 15 - PublicationOpen AccessEvoluzione della trazione dinamica sulla faglia durante i forti terremoti(2006-04)
; Spagnuolo, E.Nel presente lavoro la dinamica dei processi sismogenetici è stata studiata attraverso un metodo innovativo basato su una soluzione dell’equazione dell’elastodinamica che esprime lo sforzo di taglio agente sul piano di faglia come funzione della velocità di dislocazione e della sua evoluzione temporale. Il dato di ingresso della procedura numerica è quindi l’evoluzione nel tempo della velocità di dislocazione in ciascun punto del piano di faglia. Questo metodo permette di vincolare l’evoluzione della trazione in funzione del tempo e della posizione sulla faglia e consente quindi la stima dei principali parametri dinamici per terremoti reali. Il vantaggio di tale modello è che non viene imposta una legge costitutiva a priori. La procedura numerica è stata applicata a forti terremoti reali, per i quali sono disponibili i modelli cinematici che descrivono la propagazione della rottura cosismica, allo scopo di studiare il comportamento meccanico delle strutture sismogenetiche ed i meccanismi responsabili del rilascio di energia. L’applicazione del metodo ha prodotto risultati originali ed interessanti: gli andamenti della trazione in ciascun punto del piano di faglia, sia in funzione del tempo sia in funzione della dislocazione, mostrano l’andamento atteso in base all’interpretazione teorica del processo di propagazione della rottura cosismica, ovvero un chiaro andamento di tipo ‘dynamic weakening’. I parametri dinamici risultano ben vincolati, sebbene dipendenti dalla risoluzione dei modelli cinematici, e mostrano una distribuzione eterogenea sul piano di faglia. Un parametro molto importante ottenuto dagli andamenti della trazione dinamica è il breakdown work che, come definito da Tinti et al. (2005), fornisce una stima dell’energia spesa per far propagare il fronte di rottura. I valori ottenuti per i diversi terremoti sono in accordo con quelli pubblicati recentemente in letteratura (Rice et al., 2005; Tinti et al., 2005) e dimostrano che il breakdown work costituisce un contributo commensurabile alle stime dell’energia irradiata.302 861 - PublicationOpen AccessIntroduction of seismic source directivity on hazard map(2010-09-06)
; ; ; ; ;Spagnuolo, E.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Herrero, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Cultrera, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Spallarossa, D.;Università degli Studi di Genova, Dip.Te.Ris., Genova; ; ; The seismic hazard maps are mainly influenced by the uncertainty associated to the ground motion predictive equation (GMPE). This uncertainty represents the unexplained part of the ground motion and it is mostly related to the choice of the model’s variables. In fact the representation of the ground motion through the GMPEs is simple compared to the complexity of the physical process involved: if only the magnitude and distance are taken into account, GMPEs predicts isoseismals curves that are expected to be isotropic around the hypocenter or along the fault. Instead, the presence of a fault plane across which a process of failure in shear develops makes this general formulation reliable only on average. In fact this failure is responsible of an asymmetry in the seismic radiation known, since Ben-Menhaem (PhD1961), as directivity effect. While the general knowledge of the earthquakes is treated explicitly in the empirical prediction, specific trends like the directivity effects are hidden in the uncertainty sigma. A way to reduce the sigma is therefore to refine the seismic seismic source description inside the GMPEs (e.g. NGA project, Power et al, Earthquake Spectra, 2008). In this framework we propose a strategy to introduce the directivity in the GMPEs and to study its effect on uncertainties and on hazard maps. For this purpose, we have used two different directivity models acting on the GMPE as corrective factors: one proposed by Somerville et al. (Seis.Res.Lett.1997) and the other one proposed by Spudich and Chiou (Earthquake Spectra 2008).The first factor depends on geometrical parameters and comes from theoretical deduction. The second one includes many source parameters and it is a hybrid factor, which functional formulation is deduced from the theory, calibrated on synthetic simulations and scaled on data. The classic hazard equation is then adapted in order to increase the number of source parameters (i.e. adding one integral over the parametric space for each new variable involved) and taking into account the corrective factors for directivity (Spagnuolo, PhD2010). We present the comparisons of hazard maps depending on the directivity factor and on the probability density functions of the fault strike and of the rupture “laterality”.179 111 - PublicationRestrictedImplementing the Effect of the Rupture Directivity on PSHA for the City of Istanbul, Turkey(2016)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; In the present study, we improve the probabilistic seismic-hazard assessment (PSHA), taking into account fault rupture-related parameters that sensibly affect the azimuthal variability of the ground motion. The study area is the Marmara region (Turkey), characterized by one of the highest levels of seismic risk in Europe and the Mediterranean region. The seismic hazard in the city of Istanbul is mainly associated with two active fault segments having well-defined geometry, focal mechanism, and rate of activity. Deterministic dynamic models are also available in this area (Aochi and Ulrich, 2015) that aimed at evaluating the seismic potential of the Marmara region. These models provide the statistical distribution for the hypocenter position, which is particularly relevant for rupture directivity. The aim of this work is to incorporate all the available information about the seismic potential of the Marmara region in a PSHA framework. We use an analytical model for directivity (Spudich and Chiou, 2008; Spudich et al., 2013) to integrate rupture-related parameters inside the PSHA standard procedure. Because the directivity effect is conditional on the hypocenter position, which is not a priori known, we assume at first ad hoc Gaussian distributions centered in the western, eastern, or middle part of the two fault segments. Our results show that the correction for directivity introduces a significant contribution (up to 25% of relative increase at 2 s) to the hazard maps computed with the standard PSHA practice (given in terms of pseudospectral accelerations having 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years). The hazard maps sensibly change when we use the distribution for the hypocenter position informed by the statistical treatment of dynamic simulations. Thus, integrating new variables in the PSHA in combination with properly informed probability density functions is not only feasible, but also recommended for a comprehensive PSHA.675 7 - PublicationOpen AccessMeasuring fracture energy under coseismic conditions(2013-04)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; Experiments performed on rocks at deformation conditions typical of seismic slip, show an extremely low friction coefficient, the activation of lubrication processes and a power-law strength decay from a peak value to a residual, steady-state value. The weakening curve has an initially very abrupt decay which can be approximated by a powerlaw. The resulting experimental fracture energy (defined, for a given slip amount u, as the integral between the frictional curve and the minimum frictional level reached σf (u)) scales on most of the slip range as G ∝ u α, a power-law in some aspects in agreement with the seismological estimates of G0 ∝ u 1.28 proposed by Abercrombie and Rice (2005). The values of G and G0 are comparable for slips of about u = 1cm (G ≈ 104 J/m2 ). Both gradually increase with slip up to about 106 J/m2, however, it appears that fracture energy G0 is slightly larger than G in the range of slip 0.1 < u < 10. The effective G0 observed at the seismological scale should implicitly incorporate energy sinks other than frictional dissipation alone, which we discuss (anelastic damage due to high off-fault dynamic stress close to the rupture tip; dissipation during slip-localizing process within fault gouge of finite thickness; strain accomodating fault roughness at different scales). Since G0 is obtained by estimating the amount of dissipation with respect to strain energy and radiated energy, it will implicitly incorporate the sum of all dissipative processes due to rupture propagation and fault slip. From the comparison of G obtained in the lab and in earthquakes, it appears that friction alone explains most of the dissipation, except maybe at the larger magnitudes89 26 - PublicationOpen AccessFrictional Instabilities and Carbonation of Basalts Triggered by Injection of Pressurized H2O- and CO2- Rich Fluids(2018-06-28)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;; ; ; ; ;The safe application of geological carbon storage depends also on the seismic hazard associated with fluid injection. In this regard, we performed friction experiments using a rotary shear apparatus on precut basalts with variable degree of hydrothermal alteration by injecting distilled H2O, pure CO2, and H2O + CO2 fluid mixtures under temperature, fluid pressure, and stress conditions relevant for large-scale subsurface CO2 storage reservoirs. In all experiments, seismic slip was preceded by short-lived slip bursts. Seismic slip occurred at equivalent fluid pressures and normal stresses regardless of the fluid injected and degree of alteration of basalts. Injection of fluids caused also carbonation reactions and crystallization of new dolomite grains in the basalt-hosted faults sheared in H2O + CO2 fluid mixtures. Fast mineral carbonation in the experiments might be explained by shear heating during seismic slip, evidencing the high chemical reactivity of basalts to H2O + CO2 mixtures.143 14 - PublicationRestrictedPore fluid in experimental calcite-bearing faults: Abrupt weakening and geochemical signature of co-seismic processes(2013)
; ; ; ; ; ; ;Violay, M. E. S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Nielsen, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Spagnuolo, E.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Cinti, D.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Di Toro, G.; Università di Padova ;Di Stefano, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia; ; ; ; ; While itiswidelyrecognizedthatfluidsinfluencefaultstrengthandearthquakenucleation,propaga- tion andarrest,theireffectsonco-seismicslidingfrictionareonlyconjectured.Toshedlightonthese effects,55highvelocity(41 m s 1) frictionexperimentswereconductedatroomtemperatureon Carraramarblesamplesinthepresenceofporefluid(upto15MPaporepressure),room-humidityand ‘‘vacuum’’(10 4 mbar)conditions.Inalltheexperiments,thefrictioncoefficientevolvedfromapeak value of0.6–0.8toasteady-statevalueof0.1inabout1–1.5mofslip.However,experiments performedinthepresenceofporefluidhadalargeandmoreabruptdecreaseinfrictionatthe initiationofsliding(65%after20mmofslip),whereasexperimentsperformedundervacuumandroom humidityconditionsshowedinitialvelocity-strengtheningbehaviorfollowedbyamoregradual reductioninfriction.Thisindicatesthatcalcite-bearingrocksaremorepronetoslipinthepresence of water.Underroom-humidityconditions,CO2 was detectedduringtheentiredurationofthe experiment.Inthepresenceofporefluid,HCO3 and Ca2þ were detectedforslips 40.1 m.Thelack of decarbonationproducts(HCO3 and Ca2þ) inporefluidexperimentsforslip o0.1 mimpliesthat the abruptweakeningisnotrelatedtodecarbonation(orthattheabundanceofthereactionproductsis below theresolutionoftheanalyticalmethods).Giventhemodestthermalexpansionofwater, the estimatedthermalpressurizationduringtheabruptweakeningappearstobenegligible.Instead, we suggestthatabruptweakeningisduetosubcriticalcrack-growth,hydrolyticweakeningandbrittle failureoftheasperitiesontheslidingsurfaces.Modelingshowsthattheoccurrenceinnatureof co-seismic(water-present)decarbonationreactionssimilartothosetriggeredinthelaboratorycould yield sufficientreactionproducttobedetectedinaquiferslocatedintheproximityofactivefaults.436 27 - PublicationOpen AccessEffect of glass on the frictional behavior of basalts at seismic slip rates(2014-01)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;Violay, M. E. S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Di Toro, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Nielsen, S. B.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Gilbert, B.; Géosciences Montpellier, UMR 5243, Université Montpellier II, Montpellier, France ;Spagnuolo, E.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Azais, P.; Géosciences Montpellier, UMR 5243, Université Montpellier II, Montpellier, France ;Del Gaudio, P.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Scarlato, P.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia; ; ; ; ; ; ; We performed 31 friction experiments on glassy basalts (GB) and glass-free basalts (GFB) at slip rates up to 6.5 m s−1 and normal stress up to 40 MPa (seismic conditions). Frictional weakening was associated to bulk frictional melting and lubrication. The weakening distance (Dw) was about 3 times shorter in GB than in GFB, but the steady state friction was systematically higher in GB than in GFB. The shorter Dw in GB may be explained by the thermal softening occurring at the glass transition temperature (Tg ~500°C), which is lower than the bulk melting temperature (Tm ~1250°C) of GFB. Postexperiment microanalyses suggest that the larger crystal fraction measured in GB melts results in the higher steady state friction value compared to the GFB melts. The effect of interstitial glass is to facilitate frictional instability and rupture propagation in GB with respect to GFB.413 146 - PublicationOpen AccessComparison of ground motion hybrid simulations to NGA modified GMPE in the Marmara Sea region (Turkey) in a directivity rupture context.(2016-12)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; We have simulated strong ground motions for two Mw>7.0 rupture scenarios on the North Anatolian Fault, in the Marmara Sea within 10-20 km of Istanbul. This city is characterized by one of the highest levels of seismic risk in Europe and the Mediterranean region. The increased risk in Istanbul is due to the high probability of the occurrence of a large earthquake, which stands at about 65% during the coming years. To estimate the ground motion characteristics and its variability in the region we have adopted physics-based rupture scenarios, simulating hybrid broadband time histories. We have merged two simulation techniques: a full 3D wave propagation method to generate low-frequency seismograms (Aochi and Ulrich, 2015) and the stochastic finite-fault model approach based on a dynamic corner frequency (Motazedian and Atkinson, 2005) to simulate high-frequency seismograms. They are merged to compute realistic broad band hybrid time series. The comparison of intensity measures (PGA, PGV, SA) on our simulations with recently proposed Ground Motion Prediction Equations (GMPEs) in the region (Boore & Atkinson, 2008; Chiou & Young, 2008; Akkar & Bommer, 2010; Akkar & Cagnan, 2010) points out the rupture directivity and super-shear rupture effects associated to these cases. In order to improve the comparison, we use the GMPE proposed by Boore & Atkinson (2008) with the directivity correction proposed by Spudich & Chiu (2008). This study highlights the importance of the directivity of the rupture for the hazard estimation in the region of the Marmara Sea and especially for the city of Istanbul.118 27 - PublicationOpen AccessDislocation Motion and the Microphysics of Flash Heating and Weakening of Faults during Earthquakes(2016)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; Earthquakes are the result of slip along faults and are due to the decrease of rock frictional strength (dynamic weakening) with increasing slip and slip rate. Friction experiments simulating the abrupt accelerations (>>10 m/s2), slip rates (~1 m/s), and normal stresses (>>10 MPa) expected at the passage of the earthquake rupture along the front of fault patches, measured large fault dynamic weakening for slip rates larger than a critical velocity of 0.01–0.1 m/s. The dynamic weakening corresponds to a decrease of the friction coefficient (defined as the ratio of shear stress vs. normal stress) up to 40%–50% after few millimetres of slip (flash weakening), almost independently of rock type. The microstructural evolution of the sliding interfaces with slip may yield hints on the microphysical processes responsible for flash weakening. At the microscopic scale, the frictional strength results from the interaction of micro- to nano-scale surface irregularities (asperities) which deform during fault sliding. During flash weakening, the visco-plastic and brittle work on the asperities results in abrupt frictional heating (flash heating) and grain size reduction associated with mechano-chemical reactions (e.g., decarbonation in CO2-bearing minerals such as calcite and dolomite; dehydration in water-bearing minerals such as clays, serpentine, etc.) and phase transitions (e.g., flash melting in silicate-bearing rocks). However, flash weakening is also associated with grain size reduction down to the nanoscale. Using focused ion beam scanning and transmission electron microscopy, we studied the micro-physical mechanisms associated with flash heating and nanograin formation in carbonate-bearing fault rocks. Experiments were conducted on pre-cut Carrara marble (99.9% calcite) cylinders using a rotary shear apparatus at conditions relevant to seismic rupture propagation. Flash heating and weakening in calcite-bearing rocks is associated with a shock-like stress release due to the migration of fast-moving dislocations and the conversion of their kinetic energy into heat. From a review of the current natural and experimental observations we speculate that this mechanism tested for calcite-bearing rocks, is a general mechanism operating during flash weakening (e.g., also precursory to flash melting in the case of silicate-bearing rocks) for all fault rock types undergoing fast slip acceleration due to the passage of the seismic rupture front. © 2016 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.106 92