Which mechanism causes the episodic tremor and slip (ETS) phenomenon along subduction zone faults?

💡 Explanation

When fluid pressure oscillates along a fault, effective normal stress decreases because the increased pore pressure counteracts clamping forces, leading to reduced friction and episodic slip events. Therefore, fluid pressure oscillations cause ETS events, rather than serpentine lubrication, methane hydrates, or tidal forces that have alternative mechanisms and outcomes.

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