Rapid Normal Stress Oscillations Cause Weakening and Anelastic Dilation in Gouge‐Bearing Faults

Abstract Fault normal stress ( σ n ) changes dynamically during earthquakes. However, the impact of these changes on fault strength is poorly understood. We explore the effects of rapidly varying σ n by conducting rotary‐shear experiments on simulated fault gouges at 1 μm/s, under well‐drained, hydrothermal conditions. Our results show both elastic and anelastic (time‐dependent but recoverable) changes in gouge layer thickness in response to step changes and sinusoidal oscillations in σ n . In particular, we observe dilation associated with marked weakening during ongoing σ n ‐oscillations at frequencies >0.1 Hz. Moreover, recovery of shear stress after such oscillations is accompanied by transient (anelastic) compaction. We propose a microphysically based friction model that explains most of the observations made, including the effects of temperature and step versus sinusoidal perturbation modes. Our results highlight that σ n ‐oscillations above a specific frequency threshold, controlled by the loading regime and frictional properties of the fault, may enhance seismic hazards.