Non-extensive entropy and fragment–asperity interaction model for earthquakes
A. Posadas, Oscar Sotolongo-Costa
Abstract
In this study, we developed a fragment–asperity interaction model for earthquakes. Based on Tsallis entropy, this model can provide mathematical expression for the non-extensive entropy of fragments and asperities in the gouge area. From a statistical physics perspective, we hypothesized that non-extensive entropy decreases with energy relaxation after crustal rupture (i.e., following an earthquake). By using a windowing process, the non-extensive entropy value was monitored for three relatively recent earthquakes: the 2009 M6.1 L’Aquila (Italy) earthquake, 2011 M9.0 Tohoku (Japan) megathrust earthquake, and 2016 M7.8 Kaikoura (New Zealand) earthquake. The results support our hypothesis and suggest that the non-extensive entropy formula obtained in this study can provide a good characterization of seismicity for a given area.