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Date: 4/21/2021

Session Time: 9:45 AM to 11:00 AM Pacific

Cryptic Faults: Assessing Seismic Hazard on Slow Slipping, Blind or Distributed Fault Systems

Characterization of active faults for seismic hazard often relies on the analysis of geomorphic records preserved within the landscape that indicate fault movement. In certain environments, particularly those that are slow (<5 mm/yr) slip rate, blind and distributed fault systems, tectonic activity leaves subtle tectonic signals within the landscape, challenging the conventional methods of identification and characterization of these fault systems. In recent years, advances in remote sensing, including high-resolution topographic data from lidar and unmanned aerial vehicles, have revolutionized the identification of fault-related features at the earth’s surface and led to increasing confidence in the characterization (fault length, slip rate, recurrence interval) of faults. Recent numerical and experimental models further provide analogues for surficial fault rupture patterns and fault-related features to locate potential faults. In addition, advances in Quaternary geochronology and Bayesian modeling have refined ages of geomorphic and stratigraphic surfaces, resulting in better constraints on the activity of faults. Thus, the recognition of active and potentially active fault traces is expanding, ultimately leading to improved seismic hazard models.

This session will include studies that focus on new data and how methods have been applied to the characterization of cryptic faults. In particular, we welcome presentations on the application of remote sensing, geophysical, modeling and field work techniques, as well as geomorphic or paleoseismic case studies on cryptic slow slip rate, blind or distributed fault systems in any tectonic setting. 

Conveners

Jessica A. T. Jobe, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (jessietjobe@gmail.com)
Stephen J. Angster, U.S. Geological Survey (sangster@usgs.gov)

Oral Presentations