GLASS · InteGrated Laboratories to investigate the mechanics of ASeismic vs. Seismic faulting

Earthquakes are potentially catastrophic phenomena that have a huge impact on the environment and society. Understanding the physical processes responsible for earthquakes and faulting requires high quality data and direct observations of the underlying phenomena. However, no direct measurements can be made at depth where earthquakes initiate and propagate. Our knowledge of the mechanical properties of fault zones relies on Earth surface observations and experiments conducted in rock deformation laboratories. Despite recent progress, we have much to learn about the mechanics of earthquakes and the complex and inherently scale-dependent processes that govern earthquake faulting.Central Italy is a unique test site that can serve as a natural laboratory for the integration of high resolution data gathered from different disciplines. I propose to develop my innovative and multidisciplinary research to unravel the physico-chemico processes responsible for faulting phenomena ranging from aseismic creep to seismic slip. GLASS will aim to:(i) locate and analyze different types of transient seismic signals from the actively deforming crust, such as fast/slow and high/low frequency earthquakes and non volcanic tremors;(ii) study deformation processes in outcrops of ancient faults that represent exhumed analogues of the active structures today;(iii) characterize the fluid flow and frictional properties of faults in rock deformation experiments;(iv) investigate earthquake nucleation and recurrence by developing numerical models that will be constrained by field and experimental data and calibrated by seismological records.The proposed research will allow to create unprecedented insight into the mechanics of earthquakes and to investigate deformation processes from the crustal to the nano-scale and from a time window ranging from the seismic cycle to entire geologic fault history.