Abstract
Seismic data indicate that fault ruptures follow complicated paths
with variable velocity because of inhomogeneities in initial stress
or fracture energy. We report a phenomenon unique to three-dimensional
cracks: Locally stronger fault sections, rather than slowing ruptures,
drive them forward at velocities exceeding the shear wave speed.
This supershear mechanism differentiates barrier and asperity models
of fault heterogeneity, which previously have been regarded as indistinguishable.
High strength barriers concentrate energy, producing potentially
destructive pulses of strong ground motion. 10.1126/science.1080650
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