DYNAMIC FINITE ELEMENT MODELING OF DISLOCATIONS IN A LATERALLY HETEROGENEOUS CRUST

Elastic wave propagation in a laterally and vertically heterogeneous crust is modeled using the dynamic finite element method (DFEM). By using the elastic representation theorem we replace dislocation sources with arbitrary orientation by their equivalent body forces. It is then possible to model a dipping fault numerically using a regular rectangular grid with either finite element or finite difference methods. Our DFEM fault model is verified by comparison with analytic dislocation solutions. We then present a simple example of the effects of crustal lateral heterogeneity and rupture complexity on the resulting displacements.