Seismic Swarms Unveil the Mechanisms Driving Shallow Slow Slip Dynamics in the Copiapó Ridge, Northern Chile

Abstract

Like earthquakes, slow slip events release elastic energy stored on faults. Yet, the mechanisms behind slow slip instability and its relationship with seismicity are debated. Here, we use a seismo-geodetic deployment to document a shallow slow slip event (SSE) in 2023 on the Chile subduction. We observe dense, migrating seismic swarms accompanying the SSE, comprised of interface activity and upper plate splay faulting. Our observations suggest that the slow slip initiation is driven by structurally confined fluid overpressure in the fluid-rich surroundings of a subducted seamount. The fluid pressure migration interacts with the slow shear deformation increasing the interface permeability and facilitating a large-scale SSE migration. Historical earthquake swarms highlight the persistent structural control and recurrent nature of such slow slip events. Our observations provide insight into the interactions between slow slip and seismicity, suggesting they are controlled by creep on a fluid-infiltrated fault with fractally distributed asperities.