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Strain accumulation along the San Andreas Fault

1969; American Geophysical Union; Volume: 74; Issue: 27 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1029/jb074i027p06649

2156-2202

Christian Scholz, Thomas J. Fitch,

Landslides and related hazards

Journal of Geophysical Research (1896-1977)Volume 74, Issue 27 p. 6649-6666 Strain accumulation along the San Andreas Fault C. H. Scholz, C. H. ScholzSearch for more papers by this authorThomas J. Fitch, Thomas J. FitchSearch for more papers by this author C. H. Scholz, C. H. ScholzSearch for more papers by this authorThomas J. Fitch, Thomas J. FitchSearch for more papers by this author First published: 15 December 1969 https://doi.org/10.1029/JB074i027p06649Citations: 37AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract The patterns and rates at which strain is accumulating along the San Andreas fault in California are analyzed from geodetic data. Geodimeter and triangulation data indicate displacements near the fault that are a result of homogeneous strain to an approximation within the accuracy of the data. Both sets of data indicate that nearly pure shear with a maximum shear plane nearly parallel to the fault is accumulating at a rate of about 0.7×10−6 yr−1 from San Francisco Bay to the Transverse Ranges. The nearly east-west trending segment of the fault in the Transverse Ranges is accumulating nearly uniaxial compression normal to the fault at a rate of 1.1×10−6 yr−1, indicating a ‘locking’ mechanism. At no point, with the possible exception of the Cholame Valley, do fault creep and small earthquakes substantially release the accumulating strain. A more complete set of data in the Imperial Valley suggests that the strains accumulating there are such as would be released by fault slippage at a rate of 8.5 cm yr−1 to a depth of 25 to 40 km. Slip on the Imperial fault due to small earthquakes and creep, however, occurs at a rate of only 1.3 cm yr−1, and earthquakes occur only to a depth of approximately 10 km. Strains at greater depths must be relieved by aseismic slip or inelastic deformation. References Allen, C. R., The tectonic environments of seismically active and inactive areas along the San Andreas fault system, Proceedings of Conference on Geologic Problems of the San Andreas Fault System, Stanford Univ. Publ. Geol. Sci., 11, 70–82, 1968. Allen, C. R., P. St. Armand, C. F. Richter, J. M. Nordquist, Relationship between seismicity and geologic structure in the southern California region, Bull. Seismol. Soc. Amer., 55, 753–797, 1965. Allen, C. R., S. W. 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