Rupture behavior of the 1999 Chi-Chi, Taiwan, earthquake-slips on a curved fault in response to the regional plate convergence

Simple kinematic modeling of particle motion along a curved fault similar to the ruptured Chelungpu fault, Taiwan, indicates a unique spatial slip pattern. Specifically, we find that the large convergent slip on the curve is a result of the minimum deformation scenario of the fault geometry and regional northwestern movement of the Philippine Sea Plate (PSP). The modeled deformation regime portrays an accumulation of deformation in the curved region, which coincides very well with a long-term observed NW-SE-trending seismogenic zone in the central Taiwan. This consistence suggests that the Chelungpu fault is a preexisting curved fault. This is further evidenced by geological and geophysical observations. Because the spatial slip pattern is locally and regionally tectonically controlled, it indicates that the rupture behavior of the Chi-Chi earthquake is repeatable. Better knowledge of the fault geometry and the regional plate motion may help us to predict the possible spatial slip distribution of large earthquakes. This discovery is important for avoiding large buildings and constructions near predicted large slip regions.