Complex tsunamigenic near-trench seafloor deformation during the 2011 Tohoku–Oki earthquake

Kai Zhang, Yanru Wang, Yu Luo, Dineng Zhao, Mingwei Wang, Fanlin Yang () and Ziyin Wu ()
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Kai Zhang: Shandong University of Science and Technology
Yanru Wang: Shandong University of Science and Technology
Yu Luo: Shandong University of Science and Technology
Dineng Zhao: Ministry of Natural Resources
Mingwei Wang: Ministry of Natural Resources
Fanlin Yang: Shandong University of Science and Technology
Ziyin Wu: Ministry of Natural Resources

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract The near-trench coseismic rupture behaviour of the 2011 Tohoku–Oki earthquake remains poorly understood due to the scarcity of near-field observations. Differential bathymetry offers a unique approach to studying offshore coseismic seafloor deformation but has a limited horizontal resolution. Here we use differential bathymetry estimates with improved horizontal resolutions to investigate near-trench coseismic slip behaviours in the 2011 Tohoku–Oki earthquake. In the main rupture region, a velocity-strengthening behaviour in the shallow fault is observed. By contrast, the seafloor uplift decreases towards the trench, but the trend inverts near the backstop interface outcrop, revealing significant off-fault deformation features. Amongst various competing off-fault effects observed, we suggest that inelastic deformation plays a predominant role in near-trench tsunami excitation. Large trench-bleaching rupture is also observed immediately north of 39°, delimiting the northern extent of the main rupture region. Overall, striking spatial heterogeneity of the shallow rupture behaviour is revealed for the region.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38970-z

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