A Silent Build-up in Seismic Energy Precedes Slow Slip Failure in the Cascadia Subduction Zone

Abstract

We report on slow earthquakes in Northern Cascadia, and show that continuous seismic energy in the subduction zone follows specific patterns leading to failure. We rely on machine learning models to map characteristic energy signals from low-amplitude seismic waves to the timing of slow slip events. We find that patterns in seismic energy follow the 14-month slow slip cycle. Our results point towards a recurrent build-up in seismic energy as the fault approaches failure. This behavior shares a striking resemblance with our previous observations from slow slips in the laboratory.