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Refining 3D Fault Geometry for the Hayward-calaveras Fault Connection in the Bay Area of Northern California

Description: 

The Bay Area of northern California stands on a major transform plate boundary and seismic hazard is a concern as over 7.7 million people are vulnerable to earthquakes in this region. Modeling helps us understand the mechanics of fault systems, including fault displacement and the surrounding strain and stress fields, which are critical for assessing fault interactions and seismic hazard. By incorporating improved field observations of fault geometry from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) remote sensing data into three-dimensional (3D) mechanical models that honor how faults interact, we aim to improve model slip rate correlations with observed slip ratest. As fault shape at depth is not well known, this study focuses on improving the 3D geometry of the Hayward-Calaveras fault connection, a high-hazard area in the Bay Area of northern California. This work also will provide better understanding of how these faults behave at depth. Essentially, we will test two hypotheses: (1) that interacting fault segments will result in surface structures that reveal the 3D geometry; (2) that incorrect fault geometry will cause misalignment between model slip rates and observed slip rates. The integration of field observations and LiDAR data allows for a better representation of fault geometry, enabling modeled slip rates to align with field slip rates. Ultimately, this study utilizes mechanical models to simulate fault slip and stress interactions, providing insights into how fault geometry affects fault behavior and how faults interact. The overarching aim is to advance seismic hazard mitigation by improving models of fault slip rates.

Session: Exploring the Complexity of Fault Discontinuities [Poster]

Type: Poster

Date: 4/17/2025

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Karen

Student Presenter: Yes

Invited Presentation: 

Poster Number: 79

Authors