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Open research questions in earthquake and tectonic studies

169 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 781 earthquake and tectonic studies papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • This study provides the first high-resolution seismic images of the shallow rupture zone associated with the 2024 Mw 7.6 Noto Peninsula earthquake. Using a recently acquired MCS dataset, we applied an advanced depth imaging workflow to generate PSDM sections across 14 2D seismic lines intersecting the rupture area. The imaging procedure incorporated grid-based tomographic velocity model building, supported by automated picking of continuous reflectors guided by dip and coherency attributes, resulting in improved structural continuity and enhanced interpretability of the depth-migrated images. The resulting seismic volume offers detailed 2D and 3D visualizations of the shallow crustal architecture within this tectonically inverted back-arc region. On the basis of these high-resolution images, we mapped the rupture zone across multiple intersecting profiles, allowing for spatial delineation of fault-related deformation and near-surface structural expressions of the causative fault. These observations provide new constraints on the geometry of the seismogenic fault system and its possible connection to the tsunami-generating segment inferred in previous studies. Despite the successful mapping of the rupture zone, the detailed structure of the fault is not adequately resolved due to limitations in the recorded dataset, primarily related to the large station spacing and the short streamer length used during acquisition. These constraints limited the spatial resolution and continuity of near-surface reflections, reducing the effectiveness of structural interpretation in key areas. Furthermore, 2D seismic profiling inherently assumes structural continuity within the inline plane and is therefore limited in its ability to resolve three-dimensional geological features. As a result, out-of-plane fault segments, en echelon fault arrangements, and sideswipe energy are often misrepresented or entirely missed in 2D imaging. These limitations significantly affect the interpretation of complex fault systems and shallow rupture processes, particularly in tectonically inverted settings like the Noto Peninsula. Beyond the scope of the 2024 Noto event, this dataset constitutes a valuable geophysical benchmark for future investigations into active faulting, shallow rupture propagation, and tsunami generation processes along the eastern margin of the Sea of Japan. Given the limited availability of high-resolution seismic imaging in this region, our study fills a critical observational gap and contributes foundational data for advancing seismotectonic models in back-arc settings. 13/16 Although the present work focuses on imaging methodology with limited structural interpretation, the seismic sections reveal prominent fault geometries and stratigraphic terminations that correlate spatially with the inferred rupture trace. These features offer important insights into the mechanical segmentation and potential rupture pathways of offshore fault systems in compressional back-arc environments. Future research will aim to integrate the MCS data with complementary geophysical and geological datasets, including high-resolution bathymetry, ocean floor video imagery, regional geologic maps, and geodetic measurements. Such integrated analyses will enable more comprehensive interpretations of fault zone architecture, fluid-driven deformation, and rupture dynamics. Further velocity model refinement, including full-waveform inversion and elastic imaging techniques, may improve resolution in the shallow crust, particularly in zones of low-velocity anomalies or complex structure. These efforts are expected to advance our understanding of shallow fault mechanics and tsunami generation processes, ultimately contributing to improved seismic hazard assessment along the Japan Sea margin.

    Seismic Depth Imaging of the 2024 Noto Earthquake (M7.6) Rupture Area · 2026

  • Integrating region-specific detection attributes into statistical seismic modeling frameworks, - Accounting for asymmetry in completeness modeling, - Using the GR-AEReLU model for more reliable seismic hazard assessments

    Unifying the Gutenberg–Richter Law with Probabilistic Catalog Completeness · 2026 · DOI

  • The traditional approach to modeling catalog incompleteness has limitations, such as the sharp completeness threshold. There is a need for a more realistic representation of earthquake detection probabilities. The paper identifies a gap in the existing literature regarding the asymmetric crossover between the pure linear GR law and the incomplete part of the catalogues.

    Unifying the Gutenberg–Richter Law with Probabilistic Catalog Completeness · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a lack of understanding of the impact of earthquakes on past societies in Western Anatolia. The archaeoseismological evidence for third-millennium BC earthquakes in the region is limited. The paper aims to fill this gap by examining the destruction and resilience of the Panaztepe settlement.

    Destruction and resilience at Panaztepe: archaeoseismological evidence for third-millennium BC earthquakes in Western Anatolia · 2026 · DOI

  • However, direct experimental evidence and systematic quantitative analyses clarifying the hydromechanical controls on the dynamic weakening process remain scarce.

    Response of an Artificial Filled Fracture with Varied Water Contents to Dynamic Stressing · 2026 · DOI

  • However, the physics underlying friction laws remain elusive and fracture mechanics does not specify fault strength at the various conditions relevant to crustal faulting.

    Evolution of the real area of contact during laboratory earthquakes · 2025 · DOI

  • The underlying mechanism of the ongoing seismic swarm in the Noto Peninsula, Japan, which generates earthquakes at 10 times the average regional rate, remains elusive.

    Untangling the environmental and tectonic drivers of the Noto earthquake swarm in Japan · 2024 · DOI

  • The origin of rupture segmentation along subduction zone megathrusts and linkages to the structural evolution of the subduction zone are poorly understood.

    Subducting plate structure and megathrust morphology from deep seismic imaging linked to earthquake rupture segmentation at Cascadia · 2024 · DOI

  • Despite extensive studies highlighting the important role of fault geometry in the dynamics of tectonic earthquakes, whether and how fault roughness affects fluid-induced seismicity remains elusive.

    Fault roughness controls injection-induced seismicity · 2024 · DOI

  • The need for automatic SSE detection methods. The lack of adaptation of the geodetic matched filter approach to InSAR time series.

    Automatic detection of slow slip events using InSAR data: Application to the North Anatolian Fault · 2026 · DOI

  • Commonly used steady-state, stress-controlled creep formulations do not easily represent abrupt locking-creep transitions. This is a problem for capturing abrupt changes in creep rate.

    Non-stationary Creep Modeling on the Northern California Fault Systems · 2026 · DOI

  • The methodology relies on recent physics-regularized frameworks (Acharya et al., 2026, in prep.; Johnson & Sherrill, 2026, in prep.) that are still in preparation, creating dependency on unpublished work.

    Non-stationary Creep Modeling on the Northern California Fault Systems · 2026 · DOI

  • The complex tectonic setting of West Java. The high frequency of seismic activity in the region. The need to consider both subduction and crustal fault sources in seismic hazard assessments.

    Deterministic Seismic Hazard Analysis (DSHA) and Peak Ground Acceleration Mapping in West Java (2018–2024) · 2026 · DOI

  • The lack of a measurable and up-to-date mapping of ground-shaking hazard potential in West Java. The need to consider local shallow crustal earthquakes in seismic hazard assessments.

    Deterministic Seismic Hazard Analysis (DSHA) and Peak Ground Acceleration Mapping in West Java (2018–2024) · 2026 · DOI

  • The study faces the challenge of applying modern statistical methodologies to seismic datasets. The study addresses the challenge of identifying systematic temporal variations and precursory changes before major earthquakes. The study faces the challenge of clarifying patterns that have remained ambiguous in seismic research.

    Visualising Earthquakes: Plate Boundaries and Seismic Decay · 2026 · DOI

  • The study identifies a gap in the application of modern statistical methodologies to seismic datasets. The study addresses the lack of comprehensive analysis of seismic datasets using modern statistical tools.

    Visualising Earthquakes: Plate Boundaries and Seismic Decay · 2026 · DOI

  • The paper maps persistent VI hotspots requiring focused attention in risk-reduction planning but does not specify which communities or infrastructure types (hospitals, power plants, schools) should be prioritized or what quantitative thresholds of VI constitute unacceptable risk. Operationalized decision-making frameworks linking VI thresholds to concrete mitigation interventions (retrofitting standards, emergency services positioning) for Java intraslab earthquake hazards are absent.

    Mechanisms of Intermediate-Depth Seismicity in Eastern Java: Insights from the 2021 Malang Intraslab Earthquake Sequence and Earthquake-Hazard Assessment · 2026 · DOI

  • The observation that low b-values and high stress drops in the 2021 Malang sequence indicate a high-stress environment within the slab is not contextualized against b-value and stress-drop statistics from other intermediate-depth earthquake sequences in the Sunda Arc or globally comparable subduction zones. Systematic comparative analysis of seismicity rate parameters across Java's intraslab domains and adjacent subduction systems would clarify whether the Malang zone represents an anomalously stressed region or typical intraslab behavior.

    Mechanisms of Intermediate-Depth Seismicity in Eastern Java: Insights from the 2021 Malang Intraslab Earthquake Sequence and Earthquake-Hazard Assessment · 2026 · DOI

  • The study is limited by the availability of data on the eruption and tsunami. The research is based on a single event and may not be representative of other submarine eruptions.

    Detection of the eruption of the East Epi submarine volcano, Vanuatu, and its subsequent tsunami on 31 January 2023 · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a lack of scientific knowledge and preparedness for tsunamis associated with submarine eruptions. The study aims to address this gap by understanding the tsunami generation process and its implications for risk management.

    Detection of the eruption of the East Epi submarine volcano, Vanuatu, and its subsequent tsunami on 31 January 2023 · 2026 · DOI

  • Predictive formulas for the maximum wave arrival time are scarce. Theoretical estimates of the maximum wave arrival time have been found to be inaccurate. There is a need for a more accurate method to predict the maximum wave arrival time of landslide-tsunamis in narrow reservoirs.

    Study of maximum wave arrival time of landslide-tsunami in narrow reservoirs based on wavelet transform analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • This study provides a preliminary approach for predicting tM of SLTs in narrow reservoirs. However, there remain several limitations: (1) The slides were modelled as blocks, exclud- ing granular slides, which may limit the applicability of the proposed empirical formulas to other slide material types; (2) The experiments and numerical simulations assume simplified reservoir geometries with nearly constant widths, which may not capture the effects of complex water body shapes on wave propagation; (3) Only a single sliding mass movement type was considered, while variations in sliding, overturning, or falling mass movement types could produce different tM and affect the universality of the formulas.

    Study of maximum wave arrival time of landslide-tsunami in narrow reservoirs based on wavelet transform analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • The area is prone to significant earthquake hazard due to its location in a highly active tectonic setting. The lack of detailed seismotectonic investigations in the area poses a challenge. The study requires the use of empirical Green's functions to estimate source parameters.

    Source Characteristics of the Mw 4.3 and Mw 4.4 central San José Earthquakes Derived from Empirical Green’s Functions, Costa Rica · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a lack of detailed characterization of tsunamigenic fault structures within the rupture area of the 2024 Noto earthquake. The relationship between fault geometry and tsunami generation is not well understood.

    Tsunamigenic fault structures revealed in the 2024 Noto earthquake (M7.6) rupture area · 2026 · DOI

  • , the rupture area) of the 2024 Noto earthquake, and with some faults extending close to the seafloor, the LDZ likely experienced coseismic slip that contributed to tsunami generation during the event, although direct evidence is lacking.

    Tsunamigenic fault structures revealed in the 2024 Noto earthquake (M7.6) rupture area · 2026 · DOI

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169 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 781 earthquake and tectonic studies papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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