Tidal sensitivity of tremors in a mixed fast and slow earthquake system in northeastern Japan

Abstract

Abstract

Tidal modulation of tectonic tremors provides a sensitive measure of fault response to small stress perturbations, yet how this response varies in a mixed fast and slow earthquake system remains unclear. Here we present the first systematic investigation of tremor tidal sensitivity in such a system, focusing on tectonic tremors along the northeastern Japan subduction zone. Using a tremor catalog from 2016 to 2024, we show that the southern end of the Kuril Trench, characterized by tremor migration and relatively weak seismicity, exhibits the strongest tidal sensitivity, whereas the northern Japan Trench shows the weakest response. Spatial analysis further reveals that areas with weaker tidal sensitivity tend to coincide with more earthquakes ($M_j \geq 4$) and denser tremor activity. In addition, tidal sensitivity at the southern end of the Kuril Trench increases from the early to later stages in tremor migration, potentially reflecting changes associated with underlying slow slip processes. Together, these spatial and temporal patterns suggest that tremor tidal sensitivity may be influenced by the relative contribution of other ongoing perturbations. These results highlight tidal sensitivity as a useful probe of the underlying perturbation environment and provide insight into the possible influence of slow slip processes, earthquakes, and other stress changes on tremor-generating regions.