Finite Fault Database (ANSS ComCat)

A Finite Fault is a modeled representation of the spatial extent, amplitude and duration of fault rupture (slip) of an earthquake, and is generated via the inversion of teleseismic body waveforms and long period surface waves. It may indicate that a location of major fault-slip and source of seismic energy has occurred at a significant distance from the earthquake epicenter, which is the location on the fault where the earthquake rupture nucleated. For many earthquakes, the preferred model represents the distribution of slip on one of the two alternative fault-planes that are implied by the earthquake moment-tensor. For some earthquakes, the seismographic data are fit equally well by models involving slip on either one of the two alternative fault-planes that are implied by the earthquake moment-tensor, and both models are represented. For yet other earthquakes, the preferred finite-fault model represents the distribution of slip on a plane or multiple planar surfaces whose orientations are adjusted from one of the moment-tensor fault-planes. The ANSS Comprehensive Catalog (ComCat) contains Finite Fault models for many earthquakes. Use the Advanced Options portion of the search page in the Online Link, and then select Finite Fault from the Product Type sub-menu to access the database.