Strain accumulation along the Laguna Salada Fault, Baja California, Mexico

Journal of Geophysical Research B: Solid Earth
By: , and 

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Abstract

Strain accumulation observed over the 1978–1991 interval in a 30×100 km aperture trilateration network spanning the Laguna Salada fault is described by the principal strain rates 0.101±0.012 strain/yr N80°E±2° and −0.021±0.012 strain/yr N10°W±2°, extension reckoned positive. These strain accumulation rates have been corrected to remove coseismic effects of the nearby 1979 Imperial Valley ( = 6.5), 1980 Victoria (Baja California) ( = 6.4), 1987 Superstition Hills ( = 6.5), and 1987 Elmore Ranch ( = 5.9) earthquakes. The observed strain rates indicate extension at a rate of about 0.08 strain/yr perpendicular to the trend (N35°W) of the Salton trough as well as a right‐lateral tensor shear strain rate 0.05 strain/yr across it. The extension perpendicular to the trough is observed neither farther north near the Salton Sea nor farther south across the Gulf of California. However, Holocene slip on the Laguna Salada fault, about equal parts right‐lateral and normal slip, is consistent with the observed strain accumulation. A simple dislocation model intended to explain the observed strain accumulation as a product of slip at depth on the Laguna Salada fault would require that the fault be listric.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Strain accumulation along the Laguna Salada Fault, Baja California, Mexico
Series title Journal of Geophysical Research B: Solid Earth
DOI 10.1029/94JB01471
Volume 99
Issue B9
Year Published 1994
Language English
Publisher American Geophysical Union
Contributing office(s) Earthquake Science Center
Description 8 p.
First page 18109
Last page 18116
Country Mexico, United States
State California
Other Geospatial Laguna Salada trilateration network
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