Inverse Migration of Seismicity Quiescence During the 2019 Ridgecrest Sequence

Seismicity quiescences are best observed during sequences with multiple mainshocks and often emerge some delay after an initial phase of aftershock triggering. The mechanisms controlling this poorly understood, due to a lack systematic precise estimation the duration triggering which is made complicated by rapidly changing magnitude completeness mainshock. Here, we analyze how such delayed quiescence developed 2019 Ridgecrest (California) sequence, using refined earthquake data set obtained template matching relative relocation. A method that allows estimating occurrence rate correcting for change in detection (completeness magnitude) applied. We find immediate seismicity shutdown was triggered second (M7.1) mainshock at tips north-east trending cross-cut fault hosted most slip first (M6.4) This progressed toward central part over following days. overall sequence M6.4 M7.1 rupture consistent static Coulomb stress modeling. inverse migration unique observation, explained enhanced spatial variability where intersects main shock, hence strongly damaged zone there. further confirms previous observations structural disorder cross fault, showing has first-order control on dynamics scale