A global, spherical finite-element model for post-seismic deformation using Abaqus

Journal Article (2022)
Author(s)

Grace Nield (Durham University, University of Tasmania)

Matt A. King (University of Tasmania)

Rebekka Steffen (Lantmateriet Sweden)

B. Blank (TU Delft - Astrodynamics & Space Missions)

Astrodynamics & Space Missions
Copyright
© 2022 Grace A. Nield, A. Matt King, Rebekka Steffen, B. Blank
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-15-2489-2022
More Info
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Publication Year
2022
Language
English
Copyright
© 2022 Grace A. Nield, A. Matt King, Rebekka Steffen, B. Blank
Astrodynamics & Space Missions
Issue number
6
Volume number
15
Pages (from-to)
2489–2503
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Abstract

We present a finite-element model of post-seismic solid Earth deformation built in the software package Abaqus (version 2018). The model is global and spherical, includes self-gravitation and is built for the purpose of calculating post-seismic deformation in the far field (1/4300gkm) of major earthquakes. An earthquake is simulated by prescribing slip on a fault plane in the mesh and the model relaxes under the resulting change in stress. Both linear Maxwell and biviscous (Burgers) rheological models have been implemented and the model can be easily adapted to include different rheological models and lateral variations in Earth structure, a particular advantage over existing models. We benchmark the model against an analytical coseismic solution and an existing open-source post-seismic model code, demonstrating good agreement for all fault geometries tested. Due to the inclusion of self-gravity, the model has the potential for predicting deformation in response to multiple sources of stress change, for example, changing ice thickness in tectonically active regions.