Acceleration and Evolution of Faults: An Example from the Hunter Mountain–Panamint Valley Fault Zone, Eastern California

Noel Gourmelen, Timothy H. Dixon, Falk Amelung, Gina Schmalzle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters
Volume301
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • geodesy
  • fault evolution
  • InSAR
  • rock mechanics
  • Western United States
  • Eastern California Shear Zone
  • Hunter Mountain Fault

Disciplines

  • Earth Sciences

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