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Advances in observational, laboratory, and modeling techniques open the way to the development of physical models of the seismic cycle with potentially predictive power. To explore that possibility, we developed an integrative and fully dynamic model of the Parkfield segment of the San Andreas Fault. The model succeeds in reproducing a realistic earthquake sequence of irregular moment magnitude (Mw) 6.0 main shocks—including events similar to the ones in 1966 and 2004—and provides an excellent match for the detailed interseismic, coseismic, and postseismic observations collected along this fault during the most recent earthquake cycle. Such calibrated physical models provide new ways to assess seismic hazards and forecast seismicity response to perturbations of natural or anthropogenic origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses how research facilitating the increased understanding of slow earthquakes may provide a more complete understanding of the processes associated with ordinary earthquakes. The term slow earthquake encompasses a number of phenomena, including slow-slip events and very-low-frequency earthquakes. Slow earthquakes are typically accompanied by deep tremor and occur as shear slip events of tectonic plates. These tremors can be sensitive to small variations in geophysical stress, as they have been triggered by lunar tides. Monitoring of tremor phenomena via seismic stations is discussed, and peculiarities associated with the San Andreas Fault are elucidated.