Research
Post-seismic deformation across the Central Nevada Seismic BeltHolocene acceleration of
deformation and postseismic relaxation are two
hypotheses to explain the present-day deformation in the Central Nevada
Seismic Belt (CNSB). Discriminating between these two mechanisms is
critical for understanding the dynamics and seismic potential of the
Basin and Range province. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar
detected a broad area of uplift (2 to 3 millimeters per year) that can
be explained by postseismic mantle relaxation after a sequence of large
crustal earthquakes from 1915 to 1954. The results lead to a broad
agreement between geologic and geodetic strain indicators and support a
model of a rigid Basin and Range between the CNSB and the Wasatch
fault.
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| 1992-2000 LOS velocity map for the area of the 1915-1954 Nevada earthquakes together with epicenters (blank circles), focal mechanisms and surface ruptures, Green arrows: campaign GPS velocities (7). Red arrows: BARGEN permanent GPS velocities (9). LOS velocity considered positive for decreasing distance between ground and satellite. |
