Rupture Models for 2004 Sumatra Earthquake (IMAGE)

University of Texas at Austin

Rupture Models for 2004 Sumatra Earthquake

Caption

At a typical subduction zone, the fault ruptures primarily along the boundary between the two tectonic plates and dissipates in weak sediments (a), or ruptures along "splay faults" (b); in either case, stopping far short of the trench. In the area of the 2004 Sumatra earthquake, sediments are thicker and stronger, extending the rupture closer to the trench for a larger earthquake and, due to deeper water, a much larger tsunami.

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UT Austin

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