Comment on “Zemmouri earthquake rupture zone (Mw 6.8, Algeria): Aftershocks sequence relocation and 3D velocity model” by A. Ayadi et al.

Overview & Synopsis

Although often difficult to characterize, the relationship between a seismic rupture, its aftershock sequence, and cumulative subsurface or surface faulting or folding is an important challenge to modern seismology and seismotectonics. Among other benefits, it helps document fault length, slip, and magnitude relationships, reconstruct the evolution of the rupture process through historical and prehistorical times and identify the complexity of the deformation in its path toward the surface. This approach is a prerequisite to any seismic hazard assessment but is particularly difficult for faults whose surface trace projects offshore. A specific effort to identify and quantify the source parameters of large earthquakes in coastal areas is therefore needed, not only in subduction zones but also in areas of slow rate and/or diffuse deformation.