Asperity map along the subduction zone in northeastern Japan inferred from regional seismic data

In an attempt to examine the characteristic behavior of asperities, we studied the source processes of large interplate earthquakes offshore of the Tohoku district, northeastern Japan, over the past 70 years. In this area, earthquakes of M7 class have a recurrence interval of about 30 years. Seismic observation using a strong‐motion seismometer has been carried out by the Japan Meteorological Agency since the beginning of the 1900s. We collected these seismograms in order to make a waveform inversion. On the basis of the derived heterogeneous fault slip, we identified large slip areas (asperities) for eight earthquakes which occurred after 1930, and we constructed an asperity map. The typical size of individual asperities in northeastern Japan is M7 class, and an M8 class earthquake can be caused when several asperities are synchronized. We propose that the patterns of asperity distribution beneath offshore Tohoku fall into three different categories. In the northern part (40°–41.3°N) the seismic coupling in the asperity is almost 100%, and the size is large. In the central part (39°–40°N), little seismic moment has been released by large earthquakes, and the asperity size is small. In the southern part (37.8°–39°N) the seismic coupling is medium. The weak seismic coupling may be related to submarine topographical features and to the sediment and water along the subducting plate. Our results also suggest a general tendency for the asperities to be located away from the hypocenters (initial break), with aftershocks occurring in the area surrounding the asperity.