Stick-slip and creep behavior in lubricated granular material: Insights into the brittle-ductile transition

Crustal deformation can occur via stick‐slip events, viscous creep, or strain transients at variable rates. Here we explore such strain transients with physical experiments comprising a quasi‐two‐dimensional shear zone with elastic, acrylic discs and interstitial viscous silicone. Experiments of solely elastic discs produce stick‐slip events and an overall (constant volume) strengthening. The addition of the viscous silicone enhances...