Papadakis, G;
(2016)
A non-extensive statistical physics analysis of seismic sequences: Application to the geodynamic system of the Hellenic subduction zone.
Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).
Abstract
In order to analyse the behaviour of earthquake sequences and faulting systems with fractal or multi-fractal distribution of their elements, the concept of Non-Extensive Statistical Physics (NESP) originally introduced by Tsallis (1988) was suggested as an appropriate tool. NESP is based on a generalisation of the Boltzmann-Gibbs (BG) entropy and has the main advantage of offering a consistent theoretical framework based on the thermo-dynamic principle of entropy. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in a series of publications on seismicity, natural hazards, plate tectonics, geomagnetic reversals, and rock physics. This thesis examines the nature of the seismogenic system along the Hellenic subduction zone (HSZ) in a NESP context. The spatial and temporal properties of seismicity as well as the frequency-magnitude distribution are studied using accurate, complete and homogeneous earthquake catalogues. Another aim of this thesis is the investigation of the relation between the calculated non-extensive parameters and their spatio-temporal variation along the HSZ. In addition, the q magnitude parameter (qM), which is estimated from a novel cumulative magnitude distribution derived from the fragment asperity model, can be used as an index of the stability of a seismic area. Furthermore, the temporal variations of this parameter regarding strong earthquakes in Greece and in Japan are examined. Moreover, the spatial distribution of earthquakes, the qM parameter and the heat flow data in Greece and the adjacent areas are examined. Overall, the examination of the selected earthquake records is performed in search of evidence of complexity and non-extensivity in Greece and the surrounding areas, especially along the HSZ. The NESP approach elucidates the physical evolution of an active tectonic area and it should be considered in any probabilistic seismic hazard assessment. Moreover, the use of the non-extensive parameters as earthquake precursors seems of crucial importance.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Title: | A non-extensive statistical physics analysis of seismic sequences: Application to the geodynamic system of the Hellenic subduction zone |
| Event: | UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction |
| Language: | English |
| UCL classification: | UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences > Dept of Earth Sciences |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1475150 |
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