Seismic velocity structure in the source region of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence, Japan

Abstract

Abstract We investigate seismic wave velocity structure and spatial distribution of the seismicity in the source region of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence. A one‐dimensional mean velocity shows that the seismogenic zone has a high‐velocity and low‐Vp/Vs ratio relative to the average velocity structure of Kyushu Island. This indicates that the crust is relatively strong, capable of sustaining sufficiently high strain energy to facilitate two large ( M j > 6.5) earthquakes in close proximity to one another in rapid succession. Three‐dimensional tomography of the seismogenic zone around the source of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence yields Vp = 6 km/s and Vs = 3.5 km/s. Most large‐displacement areas (asperities) of the M j 7.3 event overlap with the seismogenic zone and the overlying surface layer. Aftershock seismicity is distributed deeper than the conventional seismogenic zone, which suggests decreased strength due to fluids or increased stress, both caused by coseismic slip.