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Data Release for "Direct evidence for fluid pressure, dilatancy, and compaction affecting slip in isolated faults"

Published by U.S. Geological Survey | Department of the Interior | Catalog Last Checked: May 05, 2026 at 08:43 PM | Dataset Last Updated: August 18, 2020 at 12:00 AM
Earthquake instability occurs as a result of strength loss during sliding on a fault. It has been known for over 50 years that fault compaction or dilatancy may cause significant weakening or strengthening by dramatically changing the fluid pressure trapped in faults. Despite this fundamental importance, we have no real understanding of the exact conditions that lead to compaction or dilation during nucleation or rupture. To date, no direct measurements of pore pressure changes during slip in hydraulically isolated faults have been reported. We show direct examples of fluid pressure variations during nucleation and rupture using a miniature pressure transducer embedded in an experimental fault. We demonstrate that fluids are not only significant in controlling fault behavior, but can provide the dominant mechanism controlling fault stability. The effect of fluid pressure changes can exceed frictional variations predicted by rate- and state-dependent friction laws, exerting fundamental controls on earthquake rupture initiation.

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