Hiroshi Ichihara

Magnetotelluric observations around the focal region of the 2007 Noto Hanto Earthquake (Mj 6.9), Central Japan

On 25 March 2007, a damaging earthquake (Mj 6.9) occurred near the west coast of the Noto Peninsula, Central Japan. A wideband magnetotelluric (MT) survey was carried out in the onshore area of the source region immediately after the mainshock, with the aim of imaging the heterogeneity of the crustal resistivity structure. The final observation network had consisted of 26 sites. As a preparatory step for imaging three-dimensional features of the resistivity around the focal region, we constructed two-dimensional resistivity models along five profiles using only the TM mode responses, in order to reduce three-dimensional effects. Four profiles are perpendicular to the fault strike, and a fifth profile is parallel to the strike through the mainshock epicenter. Significant characteristics of the resistivity models are: (1) beneath the mainshock hypocenter, there is a conductive body which spreads to the eastern edge of the active aftershock region; (2) a resistive zone is located in the gap of the aftershock distribution between the mainshock hypocenter and the largest eastern aftershock; (3) one of the largest aftershock occurred at the boundary of the resistive zone described above. These results suggest that the deep conductors represent fluid-filled zones and that the lateral heterogeneity could have controlled the slip distribution on the fault plane.

Resistivity structure around the focal area of the 2004 Rumoi-Nanbu earthquake (M 6.1), northern Hokkaido, Japan

The Rumoi-Nanbu earthquake (M 6.1) occurred in northern Hokkaido, Japan, on December 14, 2004. We conducted MT surveys along three profiles in and around the focal area to delineate and decipher the structural features of the seismogenic zone. The inverted 2-D resistivity images of the three sections comprised two layers: an upper conductive layer and a lower resistive layer. The boundary of these layers lay at a depth of approximately 3–5 km. A comparison with the surface geology and drilling data revealed that the upper conductive layer and the lower resistive layer corresponded to the Cretaceous—Tertiary sedimentary rocks and older basement rocks, respectively. A clear upheaval of the layer boundary was found along the profile at the center of the focal area. In addition, borehole data indicated an obvious increase in the Young’s modulus toward the lower layer. Therefore, the elastic properties with a complex geometry around the focal zone tended to vary; this probably depicts the zone of stress accumulation that triggered the earthquake.

Resistivity and density modelling in the 1938 Kutcharo earthquake source area along a large caldera boundary

We present the crustal structure around the fault zone pertaining to the 1938 Kutcharo earthquake (M 6.0), northern Japan, to consider why large earthquakes have occurred around calderas. The study was based on gravity anomalies and magnetotelluric and direct-current (DC) electrical-resistivity survey data. The density structure obtained from gravity anomalies indicated that the fault plane corresponded to the main depression boundary of the Kutcharo caldera. The resistivity section, based on audio-frequency magnetotelluric surveys, indicated that the estimated fault plane was located along the boundary of resistivity blocks, which also corresponded to the depression boundary. A detailed resistivity section in the ruptured zone revealed by a DC electrical-resistivity survey showed a discontinuity of layers, implying cumulative fault displacements. These results indicate that the 1938 earthquake was an abrupt slip along the main depression boundary of the Kutcharo caldera. The most likely hypothesis pertains to fluid intrusion along the depression boundary. However, additional seismic and geodetic studies are required to identify other feasible earthquake mechanisms.

Mapping subduction interface coupling using magnetotellurics; Hikurangi Margin, New Zealand

The observation of slow-slip, seismic tremor, and low-frequency earthquakes at subduction margins has provided new insight into the mechanisms by which stress accumulates between large subduction (megathrust) earthquakes. However, the relationship between the physical properties of the subduction interface and the nature of the controls on interplate seismic coupling is not fully understood. Using magnetotelluric data, we show in situ that an electrically resistive patch on the Hikurangi subduction interface corresponds with an area of increased coupling inferred from geodetic data. This resistive patch must reflect a decrease in the fluid or sediment content of the interface shear zone. Together, the magnetotelluric and geodetic data suggest that the frictional coupling of this part on the Hikurangi margin may be controlled by the interface fluid and sediment content: the resistive patch marking a fluid- and sediment-starved area with an increased density of small, seismogenic-asperities, and therefore a greater likelihood of subduction earthquake nucleation.

Crustal structure and fluid distribution beneath the southern part of the Hidaka collision zone revealed by 3‐D electrical resistivity modeling

The Hidaka collision zone, where the Kurile and northeastern (NE) Japan arcs collide, provides a useful study area for elucidating the processes of arc-continent evolution and inland earthquakes. To produce an image of the collision structure and elucidate the mechanisms of anomalously deep inland earthquakes such as the 1970 Hidaka earthquake (M6.7), we conducted magnetotelluric observations and generated a three-dimensional resistivity distribution in the southern part of the Hidaka collision zone. The modeled resistivity was characterized by a high resistivity area in the upper crust of the Kurile arc corresponding to metamorphic rocks. The model also showed conductive zones beneath the center of the collision zone. The boundary between the resistive and conductive areas corresponds geometrically to the Hidaka main thrust, which is regarded as the arc-arc boundary. The correspondence supports the collision model that the upper-middle part of crust in the Kurile arc is obducting over the NE Japan arc. The conductive areas were interpreted as fluid-filled zones associated with collision processes and upwelling of dehydrated fluid from the subducting Pacific slab. The fluid flow possibly contributes to over-pressurized conduction that produces deep inland earthquakes. We also observed a significant conductive anomaly beneath the area of Horoman peridotite, which may be related to the uplift of mantle materials to the surface.

Giant rhyolite lava dome formation after 7.3 ka supereruption at Kikai caldera, SW Japan

Kikai submarine caldera to the south of the Kyushu Island, SW Japan, collapsed at 7.3 ka during the latest supereruption (>500 km3 of magma) in the Japanese Archipelago. Multi functional research surveys of the T/S Fukae Maru in this caldera, including multi-beam echosounder mapping, remotely operated vehicle observation, multi-channel seismic reflection survey, and rock sampling by dredging and diving, provided lines of evidence for creation of a giant rhyolite lava dome (~32 km3) after the caldera collapse. This dome is still active as water column anomalies accompanied by bubbling from its surface are observed. Chemical characteristics of dome-forming rhyolites akin to those of presently active small volcanic cones are different from those of supereruption. The voluminous post-caldera activity is thus not caused simply by squeezing the remnant of syn-caldera magma but may tap a magma system that has evolved both chemically and physically since the 7.3-ka supereruption.