After an earthquake occurs, slip models of the event may be estimated from geodetic observations. This process generally requires static coseismic Green's functions, which must be calculated via a forward model which includes an approximation of the material properties, topography, and fault geometry in the region of interest. Until recently, the lack of seafloor geodetic instrumentation and the use of unrealistically simple forward models have resulted in poor resolution of near-trench slip in subduction zone settings. In this talk, I will present an investigation into the effects of 3D structure, particularly topography, on forward models of earthquake deformation and on earthquake static slip estimates. I will show that models which neglect 3D structure yield inaccurate estimates of near-trench slip, particularly when seafloor geodetic data are utilized in the inversion.
