Slip Modeling of Large Earthquakes by Joint Inversion of W-Phase and Back-Projected Images

Abstract

We present a novel finite fault inversion algorithm that combines W-phase finite fault inversion with Image Deconvolution Back-Projection (IDBP) for the determination of coseismic slip models following large earthquakes. This integrated algorithm leverages the strengths of both methods, enabling rapid determination of moment tensor, slip distribution, and centroid location. The application of this integrated algorithm to the analysis of the 2015/04/25 Mw 7.8 Nepal and the 2013/01/05 Mw 7.5 Craig Alaska earthquakes yielded results closely aligned with detailed post-earthquake studies, highlighting the algorithm's accuracy and reliability. By overcoming inherent limitations of individual methods, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the earthquake source process. The algorithm's potential for automated implementation, requiring few parameters, enhances its suitability for near real-time earthquake analysis.