Physical mesomechanics based interdisciplinary approach to the development of new methods for managing deformation process in fault zones

Abstract

In the paper, we discuss an approach to the development of methods for managing seismotectonic deformation processes in a multiscale block-structured Earth’s Crust from the viewpoint of the concept of physical mesomechanics. To date, there are no convincing results of many year researches in the fields of earthquake prediction and prevention of the dangerous man-caused and tectonic earthquakes. Therefore, in recent decades, there has been an increasingly active search for new ways to solve the problem of seismic safety. The aim of our research team’s activity is to provide a scientific rationale for a multidisciplinary approach to reduce the excess level of shear stresses in the fault zones to a safe background level by “spending” it on mechanical destruction and thermal processes in rocks during aseismic and co-seismic slip. The authors summarize the main results of modeling of geological and geophysical processes in the field of preparation of different scale seismogenic events, as well as the results of complex man-made impacts on segments of seismically active faults. The data obtained on segments of different scale faults within the Baikal rift zone and Mongolia confirm the possibility of implementing such an approach. For the practical implementation of such a project at highly stressed fault zones, it is necessary to carry out vertical, oblique and horizontal multilateral drilling with an injection of fluids of different compositions in combination with vibro-pulse stimulations to achieve safe relaxation of shear stresses.