RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Illuminating subduction zone rheological properties in the wake of a giant earthquake JF Science Advances JO Sci Adv FD American Association for the Advancement of Science SP eaax6720 DO 10.1126/sciadv.aax6720 VO 5 IS 12 A1 Weiss, Jonathan R. A1 Qiu, Qiang A1 Barbot, Sylvain A1 Wright, Tim J. A1 Foster, James H. A1 Saunders, Alexander A1 Brooks, Benjamin A. A1 Bevis, Michael A1 Kendrick, Eric A1 Ericksen, Todd L. A1 Avery, Jonathan A1 Smalley, Robert A1 Cimbaro, Sergio R. A1 Lenzano, Luis E. A1 Barón, Jorge A1 Báez, Juan Carlos A1 Echalar, Arturo YR 2019 UL http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/12/eaax6720.abstract AB Deformation associated with plate convergence at subduction zones is accommodated by a complex system involving fault slip and viscoelastic flow. These processes have proven difficult to disentangle. The 2010 Mw 8.8 Maule earthquake occurred close to the Chilean coast within a dense network of continuously recording Global Positioning System stations, which provide a comprehensive history of surface strain. We use these data to assemble a detailed picture of a structurally controlled megathrust fault frictional patchwork and the three-dimensional rheological and time-dependent viscosity structure of the lower crust and upper mantle, all of which control the relative importance of afterslip and viscoelastic relaxation during postseismic deformation. These results enhance our understanding of subduction dynamics including the interplay of localized and distributed deformation during the subduction zone earthquake cycle.