Co-seismic strain-steps associated with the 2004 off the Kii peninsula earthquakes-Observed with Ishii-type borehole strainmeters and quartz-tube extensometers

The 2004 off the Kii peninsula earthquakes (Mj7.1 and Mj7.4) occurred at the Nankai trough, on 5 September 2004. Clear strain-steps associated with these earthquakes were observed with Ishii-type borehole strainmeters and quartz-tube extensometers in the Tokai and Kinki districts. We investigated the spatial and depth distribution of the observed principal strain changes and compared the observed strain-steps and theoretical calculations at all observatories. The following results were obtained: the observed strain-steps at all observatories are generally consistent with the polarities of the theoretical values, and the observed strain-step increases with depth at the same place. As for the Togari site, the following relationships are obtained: the strain-step and the tidal strains increase with depth and increasing of the modulus of elasticity, namely, hardness of rock. We consider that the geological structure around the observatory may cause a modification of the strain field.