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Crustal fluid dynamics, crack parameters, and fault-valve behavior in the genesis of intraplate earthquakes: Insights from the 2001 Bhuj sequence and the Kachchh rift zone, India.

MandalP.

PHYSICS OF THE EARTH AND PLANETARY INTERIORS

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pepi.2026.107567 

Thestudy(Mandal,2026,PEPI,376:107567)showsthat the 2001 Bhuj earthquake sequence was strongly influenced by fluids trapped in the crust, which weakened faults and helped trigger later shocks. Seismic images and rock-physics estimates point to fluid-rich, crack-dense zones near theNorthWagad Fault, suggesting recurring earthquakes were driven by cycles of fluid buildup and release rather than random fault motion.

The 2001 Bhuj earthquakes reveal that crustal fluids act as hidden catalysts, weakening faults and sustaining recurring seismic activity.

Fig: Fluid-rich zones in the Kachchh rift likely helped trigger the 2001 earthquake sequence.

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