difference in rupture initiation between small and large earthquakes

What is it about?

The process of earthquake rupture nucleation and propagation has been investigated through laboratory experiments and theoretical modelling. Distinct models have been proposed, and whether the magnitude can be predicted while the rupture is ongoing represents an unsolved question. Here we show that the evolution of initial P-wave signal is informative regarding the early stage of the rupture process and can be used as a proxy for the final size of the rupture.

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Why is it important?

The evidence for a different rupture initiation between smal and large earhquakes open new perspectives for the rapid assessment of the earthquake size and potential damage by the real-time analysis of the early P-wave signal. This result can lead to the development of better perfomant and reliable earthquake early warning systems