Dept. of Geophysics Colloquium: Time Heals All Wounds? How Molecular Interactions Control Fault Healing

Zoom: https://tau-ac-il.zoom.us/j/85032703038

Abstract:

Current models of rock friction are empirical, limiting their ability to scale across conditions or account for variability in geological environments. In this talk, I present nanoindentation results on quartz demonstrating that, contrary to common assumptions, increases in contact area do not necessarily lead to greater frictional resistance to sliding. Complementary adhesion measurements and physicochemical modeling show that atomic-scale interfacial bonding governs contact mechanics in quartz at length scales comparable to the roughness of natural faults. These findings provide a physically grounded framework for understanding friction in crustal rocks, with direct implications for slip behavior in seismogenic environments.

Event Organizer: Dr. Lior Rubanenko