Numerical Modeling of the Stress–Strain State and Results of GPS Monitoring of the Epicentral Area of the August 24, 2014 Earthquake (Napa, California, USA)

Abstract

This paper reports the results of numerical modeling of the stress–strain state of the epicentral area before and after the August 24, 2014 earthquake in Napa, California, USA, compared to calculated data obtained in instrumental studies in the dilatation areas based on GPS observation results. Numerical modeling has made it possible to calculate the stress–strain state of the epicentral area affected by the tectonic fault system. GPS observation data on the epicentral area of the earthquake and the results of numerical modeling of the stress–strain state before and after the considered earthquake have been analyzed. A trend toward localization of earthquake epicenters in the region of high stress intensity concentration has been confirmed. It has been proved that aftershock development is due to the drop in stress caused by a new fracture and that the aftershock cluster that occurred was localized in the area of decreased stress intensity.