Which mechanism governs the frequency of large megathrust earthquakes along subduction zones?

💡 Explanation

When plates converge, the accumulated strain from friction along the locked fault interface between the subducting and overriding plate builds up until it exceeds the fault's strength, triggering a megathrust earthquake and strain release determined by convergence rate and locking at fault. Therefore, convergence and locking dictates earthquake frequency, rather than sediment accretion, magma viscosity, or erosion rate which involve factors outside the fault system itself.

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