Open AccessDamage and rheology in a fibre‐bundle model
Author(s) -
Nanjo K. Z.,
Turcotte D. L.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
geophysical journal international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.302
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1365-246X
pISSN - 0956-540X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-246x.2005.02683.x
Subject(s) - lithosphere , rheology , geology , aftershock , brittleness , deformation (meteorology) , mechanics , geotechnical engineering , geophysics , seismology , tectonics , materials science , physics , composite material , oceanography
SUMMARY In this paper, we consider the continuum deformation of the brittle upper continental lithosphere, utilizing the fibre‐bundle model. Fibre failure is assumed to be a thermally activated process. We further assume that a failed fibre is replaced by a new unstressed fibre. This replacement is analogous to a migration of a dislocation, an earthquake rupture or a microcrack. We derive a non‐Newtonian power‐law viscous rheology. This is the rheology that has been used to explain the lithospheric deformation in Tibet. We also constrain the parameters in our model using aftershocks. A major advantage of our upper continental rheology is that it has a strong temperature dependence. We then use this model to define the strength envelope of the continental lithosphere. Our results suggest that a damage model is appropriate for the continuum rheology of the upper continental lithosphere.