Acceleration and Evolution of Faults: An Example from the Hunter Mountain–Panamint Valley Fault Zone, Eastern California
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2011
Keywords
geodesy, fault evolution, InSAR, rock mechanics, Western United States, Eastern California Shear Zone, Hunter Mountain Fault
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2010.11.016
Abstract
We present new space geodetic data indicating that the present slip rate on the Hunter Mountain–Panamint Valley fault zone in Eastern California (5.0 ± 0.5 mm/yr) is significantly faster than geologic estimates based on fault total offset and inception time. We interpret this discrepancy as evidence for an accelerating fault and propose a new model for fault initiation and evolution. In this model, fault slip rate initially increases with time; hence geologic estimates averaged over the early stages of the fault's activity will tend to underestimate the present-day rate. The model is based on geologic data (total offset and fault initiation time) and geodetic data (present day slip rate). The model assumes a monotonic increase in slip rate with time as the fault matures and straightens. The rate increase follows a simple Rayleigh cumulative distribution. Integrating the rate-time path from fault inception to present-day gives the total fault offset.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
No
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 301, issues 1-2, p. 337-344
Scholar Commons Citation
Gourmelen, Noel; Dixon, Timothy H.; Amelung, Falk; and Schmalzle, Gina, "Acceleration and Evolution of Faults: An Example from the Hunter Mountain–Panamint Valley Fault Zone, Eastern California" (2011). School of Geosciences Faculty and Staff Publications. 427.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/geo_facpub/427
