Origin of slow earthquake statistics in low-friction soft granular shear

Abstract: Slow earthquakes differ from regular earthquakes in their slower moment release and limited size distribution. What mechanisms cause slow earthquakes that manifest these unique statistics? We experimentally demonstrate that their characteristics emerge from low-friction soft granular shear. Using a hydrogel particle layer floated on lubricating fluid, we conducted stick-slip experiments. The observed slip events follow the same laws of both moment release rate and size distribution as slow earthquakes, contrasting with frictional rigid granular shear. Slip size is determined by the competing effects of shear localization and pressure enhancement with decreasing porosity. These findings indicate that low friction and particle softness in sheared granular systems with monotonous structures cause slow earthquake statistics, which may monitor pore fluid dynamics and shear localization within hazardous fault zones.