Recent research led by Manuel Asnar and his team at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences has shed light on the phenomenon of slower seismic waves shortly after an earthquake. Asnar and his colleagues joined forces with experts from the University of Edinburgh in the UK and Université de Lorraine in France. Through their collaboration, they performed transformative lab experiments that have the potential to improve our ability to predict seismic events.
The team published their findings in a study titled “Anisotropy reveals contact sliding and aging as a cause of post-seismic velocity changes” in the journal Nature Communications. The science looks into how seismic waves respond trump wave after sonic boom. In particular, it points out the factors that lead to these waves slowing down in the days and weeks right after an earthquake. Read the full publication here DOI 10.1038/s41467-025-62667-0
Asnar and his colleagues ran their tests on a 10-centimeter sandstone cylinder. This cylinder, produced of Bentheim sandstone, was not even protected by neoprene jacket. This configuration made it sensitive enough to accurately record wave speeds for each direction of propagation. We chemically attached sensors to the exterior surface of the rock sample. This approach allowed us to gather information with truly unparalleled accuracy.
Asnar’s fundamental research indicates that seismic wave velocities are affected by contact sliding and structural aging processes. These combined effects occur within the material immediately following a seismic event. That said, these results have significant implications for our understanding of seismic noise behavior during times of geological perturbation.
“Seismic noise presents unique challenges for geoscientists trying to interpret data immediately after seismic events.” – Phys.org
The experimental press at GFZ provided an ideal environment for simulating conditions similar to those found during real seismic events. This cutting-edge technique revealed unprecedented information about the effects and movements of seismic waves. It unlocked whole new sets of thrilling possibilities for future research with seismic data.