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Abstract
Earthquakes of magnitude (M) >5.5 on oceanic transform faults (OTFs) repeatedly rupture the same locked patches, sometimes quasiperiodically. These patches are separated by “barriers” that halt earthquake propagation and slip mostly aseismically. However, the physical processes governing this systematic behavior remain unclear. We analyzed two barriers along the Gofar transform fault that have arrested ~15 M6 earthquakes over the past three decades. Ocean bottom seismometer data indicate that the barriers hosted intense microseismicity before the mainshocks and comprise multistrand faults and transtensional stepovers with 100- to 400-m lateral offset. These characteristics contradict earthquake rupture termination models invoking velocity-strengthening friction or large geometric steps and instead point to damage-enhanced porosity and dilatancy-strengthening mechanisms. By isolating rupture segments, the barriers regulate the quasiperiodic recurrence of OTF earthquakes.
Suggested Citation
Gong, J., Fan, W., McGuire, J.J., Behn, M.D., Warren, J.M., Roland, E., Boettcher, M.S., Collins, J.A., Liu, Y., and German, C.R., 2026, Predictable seismic cycles result from structural rupture barriers on oceanic transform faults: Science, v. 392, p. 718-723, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.ady6190.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Predictable seismic cycles result from structural rupture barriers on oceanic transform faults |
| Series title | Science |
| DOI | 10.1126/science.ady6190 |
| Volume | 392 |
| Publication Date | May 14, 2026 |
| Year Published | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | AAAS |
| Contributing office(s) | Earthquake Science Center |
| Description | 6 p. |
| First page | 718 |
| Last page | 723 |
| Other Geospatial | Gofar transform fault, Pacific Ocean |