@misc{KruegerOhrnbergerRoessler2008, author = {Kr{\"u}ger, Frank and Ohrnberger, Matthias and R{\"o}ßler, Dirk}, title = {Rupture imaging of large earthquakes with a poststack isochrone migration method}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-18395}, year = {2008}, abstract = {Rapid and robust characterization of large earthquakes in terms of their spatial extent and temporal duration is of high importance for disaster mitigation and early warning applications. Backtracking of seismic P-waves was successfully used by several authors to image the rupture process of the great Sumatra earthquake (26.12.2004) using short period and broadband arrays. We follow here an approach of Walker et al. to backtrack and stack broadband waveforms from global network stations using traveltimes for a global Earth model to obtain the overall spatio-temporal development of the energy radiation of large earthquakes in a quick and robust way. We present results for selected events with well studied source processes (Kokoxili 14.11.2001, Tokachi-Oki 25.09.2003, Nias 28.03.2005). Further, we apply the technique in a semi-real time fashion to broadband data of earthquakes with a broadband magnitude >= 7 (roughly corresponding to Mw 6.5). Processing is based on first automatic detection messages from the GEOFON extended virtual network (GEVN).}, language = {en} } @misc{RoesslerKruegerOhrnberger2008, author = {R{\"o}ßler, Dirk and Kr{\"u}ger, Frank and Ohrnberger, Matthias}, title = {Automatic near real-time characterisation of large earthquakes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-18382}, year = {2008}, abstract = {We use seismic array methods (semblance analysis) to image areas of seismic energy release in the Sunda Arc region and world-wide. Broadband seismograms at teleseismic distances (30° ≤ Δ ≤ 100°) are compared at several subarrays. Semblance maps of different subarrays are multiplied. High semblance tracked over long time (10s of second to minutes) and long distances indicate locations of earthquakes. The method allows resolution of rupture characteristics important for tsunami early warning: start and duration, velocity and direction, length and area. The method has been successfully applied to recent and historic events (M>6.5) and is now operational in real time. Results are obtained shortly after source time, see http://www.geo.uni-potsdam.de/Forschung/Geophysik/GITEWS/tsunami.htm). Comparison of manual and automatic processing are in good agreement. Computational effort is small. Automatic results may be obtained within 15 - 20 minutes after event occurrence.}, language = {en} } @misc{LipkeKruegerRoessler2008, author = {Lipke, Katrin and Kr{\"u}ger, Frank and R{\"o}ßler, Dirk}, title = {Subduction zone structure along Sumatra from receiver functions}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-18260}, year = {2008}, abstract = {Receiver functions are a good tool to investigate the seismotectonic structure beneath the a seismic station. In this study we apply the method to stations situated on or near Sumatra to find constraints on a more detailed velocity model which should improve earthquake localisation. We estimate shallow Moho-depths (~ 21 km) close to the trench and depths of ~30 km at greater distances. First evidences for the dip direction of the slab of ~60° are provided. Receiver functions were calculated for 20 stations for altogether 110 earthquakes in the distance range between 30° and 95° from the receiver. However the number of receiver functions per station is strongly variable as it depends on the installation date, the signal-to-noise-ratio of the station and the reliability of the acquisition.}, language = {en} } @misc{ElsenbeerWestBonell1994, author = {Elsenbeer, Helmut and West, Adam and Bonell, Mike}, title = {Hydrologic pathways and stormflow hydrochemistry at South Creek, northeast Queensland}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-16904}, year = {1994}, abstract = {Earlier investigations at South Creek in northeastern Queensland established the importance of overland flow as a hydrologic pathway in this tropical rainforest environment. Since this pathway is 'fast', transmitting presumably 'new' water, its importance should be reflected in the stormflow chemistry of South Creek: the greater the volumentric contribution to the stormflow hydrograph, the more similarity between the chemical composition of streamwater and of overland flow is to be expected. Water samples were taken during two storm events in an ephemeral gully (gully A), an intermittent gully (gully B) and at the South Creek catchment outlet; additional spot checks were made in several poorly defined rills. The chemical composition of 'old' water was determined from 45 baseflow samples collected throughout February. The two events differed considerably in their magnitudes, intensities and antecedent moisture conditions. In both events, the stormflow chemistry in South Creek was characterized by a sharp decrease in Ca, Mg, Na, Si, Cl, EC, ANC, alkalinity and total inorganic carbon. pH remained nearly constant with discharge, whereas K increased sharply, as did sulfate in an ill-defined manner. In event 1, this South Creek stormflow pattern was closely matched by the pattern in gully A, implying a dominant contribution of 'new' water. This match was confirmed by the spot samples from rills. Gully B behaved like South Creek itself, but with a dampened 'new' water signal, indicating less overland flow generation in its subcatchment. In event 2, which occurred five days later, the initial 'new' water signal in gully A was rapidly overwhelmed by a different signal which is attributed to rapid drainage from a perched water table. This study shows that stormflow in this rainforest catchment consists predominantly of 'new' water which reaches the stream channel via 'fast' pathways. Where the ephemeral gullies delivering overland flow are incised deeply enough to intersect a perched water table, a delayed, 'old' water-like signal may be transmitted.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Kellner2007, author = {Kellner, Antje}, title = {Different styles of deformation of the fore-arc wedge along the Chilean convergent margin : insights from 3D numerical experiments}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-15898}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2007}, abstract = {The styles of deformation of the fore-arc wedges along the Chilean convergent margin are observed to vary significantly, despite similar plate kinematic conditions. Here, I focus on the analysis of fore-arc deformation on two regions along the Chilean convergent margin at 20°-24°S and 37°-42°S. Although both regions are subjected to the oblique subduction of the oceanic Nazca plate and backstopped by the Andes mountain chain; they display different patterns of deformation. The northern Chilean study area (20° - 24°S) is characterized by an exceptionally thick crust of about 60 km beneath the Altiplano - Puna plateau, lack of an accretionary wedge in the fore-arc due to hyperarid climate, and consequently a sediment starved trench. Two major margin parallel strike slip faults are observed in this area, the Atacama Fault Zone (AFZ) and the Precordilleran Fault System (PFS). Both strike-slip faults do not exhibit significant recent displacement. The southern study area (37° - 42°S), compared to the northern study area, is characterized by lower topography, high precipitation rates (~2000 mm/yr), and a younger subducted oceanic plate. An active strike-slip fault, the Liqui{\~n}e-Ofqui-Fault-Zone (LOFZ), shows ~1 cm/yr recent dextral movement and shapes the surface of this area. Thus, the southern Chilean study area exhibits localized strike-slip motion. Within this area the largest earthquake ever recorded, the 1960 Valdivia earthquake, occurred with a moment magnitude of MW=9.5. I have constructed 2D thermal models and 3D mechanical models for both Chilean study areas to study processes related to active subduction. The applied numerical method is the finite element technique by means of the commercial software package ABAQUS. The thermal models are focused on the thermal conditions along the plate interface. The thermal structure along the plate interface reveals the limits of coupling but also the type of transition from coupled to uncoupled and vice versa. The model results show that shear heating at the plate interface is an important mechanism that should be taken into account. The models also show that the thermal condition at the downdip limit of the coupling zone leads to a sharp decrease of friction along the interface. Due to the different geometries of the two Chilean study areas, such as the slab dip and the thickness of the continental crust, the downdip limit of the southern study area is slightly shallower than that of the northern study area. The results of the 2D thermal models are used to constrain the spatial extent of the coupling zone in the 3D mechanical models. 3D numerical simulations are used to investigate how geometry, rheology and mechanical parameters influence strain partitioning and styles of deformation in the Chilean fore-arc. The general outline of the models is based on the fore-arc geometry and boundary conditions as derived from geophysical and geological field data. I examined the influence of different rheological approaches and varying physical properties of the fore-arc to identify and constrain the parameters controlling the difference in surface deformation between the northern and southern study area. The results of numerical studies demonstrate that a small slab dip, a high coefficient of basal friction, a high obliquity of convergence, and a high Young's modulus favour localisation of deformation in the fore-arc wedge. This parameter study helped me to constrain preferred models for the two Chilean study areas that fit to first order observations. These preferred models explain the difference in styles of deformation as controlled by the angle of obliquity, the dip of subducting slab, and the strength of wedge material. The difference in styles can be even larger if I apply stronger coupling between plates within the southern area; however, several independent observations indicate opposite tendency showing southward decrease of intensity of coupling. The weaker wedge material of the preferred model for the northern study area is associated with advanced development of the adjacent orogen, the Central Andes. Analysis of world-wide examples of oblique subduction zones supports the conclusion that more mature subduction zones demonstrate less pronounced localization of strike-slip motion.}, language = {en} } @article{LipkeZitzmannAmbergeretal.2007, author = {Lipke, Katrin and Zitzmann, Max and Amberger, Manuel and Ehlert, Carsten and R{\"o}ßler, Dirk and Kr{\"u}ger, Frank and Ohrnberger, Matthias}, title = {Traveltime residuals at regional and teleseismic distances for SE-Asia}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-14117}, year = {2007}, abstract = {Traveltime residuals for worldwide seismic stations are calculated. We use P and S waves from earthquakes in SE-Asia at teleseismic and regional distances. The obtained station residuals help to enhance earthquake localisation. Furthermore we calculated regional source dependent station residuals. They show a systematic dependence of the locality of the source. These source dependent residuals reflect heterogenities along the path and can be used for a refinement of earthquake localisation.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{VasquezParra2007, author = {V{\´a}squez Parra, M{\´o}nica Fernanda}, title = {Mafic magmatism in the Eastern Cordillera and Putumayo Basin, Colombia : causes and consequences}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-13183}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2007}, abstract = {The Eastern Cordillera of Colombia is mainly composed of sedimentary rocks deposited since early Mesozoic times. Magmatic rocks are scarce. They are represented only by a few locally restricted occurrences of dykes and sills of mafic composition presumably emplaced in the Cretaceous and of volcanic rocks of Neogene age. This work is focused on the study of the Cretaceous magmatism with the intention to understand the processes causing the genesis of these rocks and their significance in the regional tectonic setting of the Northern Andes. The magmatic rocks cut the Cretaceous sedimentary succession of black shales and marlstones that crop out in both flanks of the Eastern Cordillera. The studied rocks were classified as gabbros (C{\´a}ceres, Pacho, Rodrigoque), tonalites (C{\´a}ceres, La Corona), diorites and syenodiorites (La Corona), pyroxene-hornblende gabbros (Pacho), and pyroxene-hornblendites (Pajarito). The gabbroic samples are mainly composed of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and/or green to brown hornblende, whereas the tonalitic rocks are mainly composed of plagioclase and quartz. The samples are highly variable in crystal sizes from fine- to coarse-grained. Accessory minerals such as biotite, titanite and zircon are present. Some samples are characterized by moderate to strong alteration, and show the presence of epidote, actinolite and chlorite. Major and trace element compositions of the rocks as well as the rock-forming minerals show significant differences in the geochemical and petrological characteristics for the different localities, suggesting that this magmatism does not result from a single melting process. The wide compositional spectrum of trace elements in the intrusions is characteristic for different degrees of mantle melting and enrichment of incompatible elements. MORB- and OIB-like compositions suggest at least two different sources of magma with tholeiitic and alkaline affinity, respectively. Evidence of slab-derived fluids can be recognized in the western part of the basin reflected in higher Ba/Nb and Sr/P ratios and also in the Sr radiogenic isotope ratios, which is possible a consequence of metasomatism in the mantle due to processes related to the presence of a previously subducted slab. The trace element patterns evidence an extensional setting in the Cretaceous basin producing a continental rift, with continental crust being stretched until oceanic crust was generated in the last stages of this extension. Electron microprobe analyses (EMPA) of the major elements and synchrotron radiation micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-SRXRF) analyses of the trace element composition of the early crystallized minerals of the intrusions (clinopyroxenes and amphiboles) reflect the same dual character that has been found in the bulk-rock analyses. Despite the observed alteration of the rocks, the mineral composition shows evidences for an enriched and a relative depleted magma source. Even the normalization of the trace element concentrations of clinopyroxenes and amphiboles to the whole rock nearly follows the pattern predicted by published partition coefficients, suggesting that the alteration did not change the original trace element compositions of the investigated minerals. Sr-Nd-Pb isotope data reveal a large isotopic variation but still suggest an initial origin of the magmas in the mantle. Samples have moderate to highly radiogenic compositions of 143Nd/144Nd and high 87Sr/86Sr ratios and follow a trend towards enriched mantle compositions, like the local South American Paleozoic crust. The melts experienced variable degrees of contamination by sediments, crust, and seawater. The age corrected Pb isotope ratios show two separated groups of samples. This suggests that the chemical composition of the mantle below the Northern Andes has been modified by the interaction with other components resulting in a heterogeneous combination of materials of diverse origins. Although previous K/Ar age dating have shown that the magmatism took place in the Cretaceous, the high error of the analyses and the altered nature of the investigated minerals did preclude reliable interpretations. In the present work 40Ar/39Ar dating was carried out. The results show a prolonged history of magmatism during the Cretaceous over more than 60 Ma, from ~136 to ~74 Ma (Hauterivian to Campanian). Pre-Cretaceous rifting phases occurred in the Triassic-Jurassic for the western part of the basin and in the Paleozoic for the eastern part. Those previous rifting phases are decisive mechanisms controlling the localization and composition of the Cretaceous magmatism. Therefore, it is the structural position and not the age of the intrusions which preconditions the kind of magmatism and the degree of melting. The divergences on ages are the consequence of the segmentation of the basin in several sub-basins which stretching, thermal evolution and subsidence rate evolved independently. The first hypothesis formulated at the beginning of this investigation was that the Cretaceous gabbroic intrusions identified in northern Ecuador could be correlated with the intrusions described in the Eastern Cordillera. The mafic occurrences should mark the location of the most subsiding places of the large Cretaceous basin in northern South America. For this reason, the gabbroic intrusions cutting the Cretaceous succession in the Putumayo Basin, southern Colombia, were investigated. The results of the studies were quite unexpected. The petrologic and geochemical character of the magmatic rocks indicates subduction-related magmatism. K/Ar dating of amphibole yields a Late Miocene to Pliocene age (6.1 ± 0.7 Ma) for the igneous event in the basin. Although there is no correlation between this magmatic event and the Cretaceous magmatic event, the data obtained has significant tectonic and economic implications. The emplacement of the Neogene gabbroic rocks coincides with the late Miocene/Pliocene Andean orogenic uplift as well as with a significant pulse of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion.}, language = {en} } @misc{RoesslerKruegerOhrnberger2007, author = {R{\"o}ßler, Dirk and Kr{\"u}ger, Frank and Ohrnberger, Matthias}, title = {Rupture propagation of recent large TsE off-coast Sumatra and Java}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-13039}, year = {2007}, abstract = {The spatio-temporal evolution of the three recent tsunamogenic earthquakes (TsE) off-coast N-Sumatra (Mw9.3), 28/03/2005 (Mw8.5) off-coast Nias, on 17/07/2006 (Mw7.7) off-coast Java. Start time, duration, and propagation of the rupture are retrieved. All parameters can be obtained rapidly after recording of the first-arrival phases in near-real time processing. We exploit semblance analysis, backpropagation and broad-band seismograms within 30°-95° distance. Image enhancement is reached by stacking the semblance of arrays within different directions. For the three events, the rupture extends over about 1150, 150, and 200km, respectively. The events in 2004, 2005, and 2006 had source durations of at least 480s, 120s, and 180s, respectively. We observe unilateral rupture propagation for all events except for the rupture onset and the Nias event, where there is evidence for a bilateral start of the rupture. Whereas average rupture speed of the events in 2004 and 2005 is in the order of the S-wave speed (≈2.5-3km/s), unusually slow rupturing (≈1.5 km/s) is indicated for the July 2006 event. For the July 2006 event we find rupturing of a 200 x 100 km wide area in at least 2 phases with propagation from NW to SE. The event has some characteristics of a circular rupture followed by unilateral faulting with change in slip rate. Fault area and aftershock distribution coincide. Spatial and temporal resolution are frequency dependent. Studies of a Mw6.0 earthquake on 2006/09/21 and one synthetic source show a ≈1° limit in resolution. Retrieved source area, source duration as well as peak values for semblance and beam power generally increase with the size of the earthquake making possible an automatic detection and classification of large and small earthquakes.}, language = {en} } @article{RoesslerKruegerRuempkeretal.2006, author = {R{\"o}ßler, Dirk and Kr{\"u}ger, Frank and R{\"u}mpker, Georg and Psencik, Ivan}, title = {Tensile source components of swarm events in West Bohemia in 2000 by considering seismic anisotropy}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-12975}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Earthquake swarms occur frequently in West Bohemia, Central Europe. Their occurrence is correlated with and propably triggered by fluids that escape on the earth's surface near the epicentres. These fluids raise up periodically from a seemingbly deep-seated source in the upper mantle. Moment tensors for swarm events in 1997 indicate tensile faulting. However, they were determined under assumption of seismic isotropy although anisotropy can be observed. Anisotropy may obscure moment tensors and their interpretation. In 2000, more than 10,000 swarm earthquakes occurred near Novy Kostel, West Bohemia. Event triggering by fluid injection is likely. Activity lasted from 28/08 until 31/12/00 (9 phases) with maximum ML=3.2. High quality P-wave seismograms were used to retrieve the source mechanisms for 112 events between 28/08/00 and 30/10/00 using > 20 stations. We determine the source geometry using a new algorithm and different velocity models including anisotropy. From inversions of P waves we observe ML<3.2, strike-slip events on steep N-S oriented faults with additional normal or reverse components. Tensile components seem to be evident for more than 60\% of the processed swarm events in West Bohemia during the phases 1-7. Being most significant at great depths and at phases 1-4 during the swarm they are time and location dependent. Although tensile components are reduced when anisotropy is assumed they persist and seem to be important. They can be explained by pore-pressure changes due to the injection of fluids that raise up. Our findings agree with other observations e.g. correlation of fluid transport and seismicity, variations in b-value, forcing rate, and in pore pressure diffusion. Tests of our results show their significance.}, language = {en} } @article{RoesslerKruegerOhrnberger2007, author = {R{\"o}ßler, Dirk and Kr{\"u}ger, Frank and Ohrnberger, Matthias}, title = {Rupture propagation of the TsE (Mw7.7) on 17 July 2006 off-coast Java}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-12964}, year = {2007}, abstract = {The Mw=7.7 tsunamogenic earthquake (TsE) on 17 July 2006, 08:19:28 shock the Indian Ocean at about 15 km depth off-coast Java, Indonesia. It caused a local tsunami with wave heights exceeding 2 m. The death toll reached several hundred. Thousands of people were displaced. By means of standard array methods, we have investigated the propagation and the extent of the rupture front of the causative earthquake. Waveform similarity is expressed by means of the semblance. We back-propagate the semblance for first-arrival phases recorded at broad-band stations within teleseismic distances (30°-95°). Image enhancement is realised by stacking the semblance of 8 arrays within different epicentral and azimuthal directions. From teleseismic observations we find rupturing of a 200 x 100 km wide area in at least 2 phases with propagation from NW to SE and source duration >125 s. The event has some characteristics of a circular rupture followed by unilateral faulting with change in slip rate. Unusually slow rupturing (≈1.5 km/s) is indicated. Fault area and aftershock distribution coincide. Spatial and temporal resolution are frequency dependent. Studies of a Mw6.0 earthquake on 2006/09/21 and one synthetic source show a ≈1° limit in resolution. Retrieved source area, source duration as well as peak values for semblance and beam power increase with the size of the earthquake making possible an automatic detection and classification of large and small earthquakes.}, language = {en} }