Origin of the shallow slip deficit on a strike slip fault: Influence of elastic structure, topography, data coverage, and noise

Numerous fault slip models for several large strike-slip earthquakes indicate a reduction of along the uppermost part (Shallow Slip Deficit, SSD). In this paper, we investigate possibility that SSD is an artifact due to simplifications made when model medium. Using set synthetic data 1992 Landers earthquake, show while neglecting topography area has moderate impact on retrieved model, variations in elastic properties, particular variation with depth, leads significant bias and can produce 25% artificial (whereas damage zone smaller impact). We further lack coverage around increases amount SSD. Moreover, find correlated noise maximum amplitude as low 5% surface displacement also conclude simple forward modeling homogeneous medium may be inappropriate resolving slip-variability even areas limited or lateral properties. Finally, argue estimation uncertainty error should systematic inversion studies avoid any misinterpretation distribution.