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3D architecture and complex behavior along the simple central San Andreas fault

Author

Listed:
  • Yifang Cheng

    (Tongji University
    University of California
    University of California, Berkeley
    Tongji University)

  • Roland Bürgmann

    (University of California
    University of California, Berkeley)

  • Richard M. Allen

    (University of California
    University of California, Berkeley)

Abstract

The central San Andreas Fault (CSAF) exhibits a simple linear large-scale fault geometry, yet seismic and aseismic deformation features vary in a complex way along the fault. Here we investigate fault zone behaviors using geodetic observation, seismicity and microearthquake focal mechanisms. We employ an improved focal-mechanism characterization method using relative earthquake radiation patterns on 75,164 Ml ≥ 1 earthquakes along a 2-km-wide, 190-km-long segment of the CSAF, from 1984 to 2015. The data reveal the 3D fine-scale structure and interseismic kinematics of the CSAF. Our findings indicate that the first-order spatial variations in interseismic fault creep rate, creep direction, and the fault zone stress field can be explained by a simple fault coupling model. The inferred 3D mechanical properties of a mechanically weak and poorly coupled fault zone provide a unified understanding of the complex fine-scale kinematics, indicating distributed slip deficits facilitating small-to-moderate earthquakes, localized stress heterogeneities, and complex multi-scale ruptures along the fault. Through this detailed mapping, we aim to relate the fine-scale fault architecture to potential future faulting behavior along the CSAF.

Suggested Citation

  • Yifang Cheng & Roland Bürgmann & Richard M. Allen, 2024. "3D architecture and complex behavior along the simple central San Andreas fault," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-49454-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49454-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. C. H. Scholz, 2000. "A fault in the ‘weak San Andreas’ theory," Nature, Nature, vol. 406(6793), pages 234-234, July.
    2. David A. Lockner & Carolyn Morrow & Diane Moore & Stephen Hickman, 2011. "Low strength of deep San Andreas fault gouge from SAFOD core," Nature, Nature, vol. 472(7341), pages 82-85, April.
    3. Hugo Perfettini & Jean-Philippe Avouac & Hernando Tavera & Andrew Kositsky & Jean-Mathieu Nocquet & Francis Bondoux & Mohamed Chlieh & Anthony Sladen & Laurence Audin & Daniel L. Farber & Pierre Soler, 2010. "Seismic and aseismic slip on the Central Peru megathrust," Nature, Nature, vol. 465(7294), pages 78-81, May.
    4. Hiroyuki Noda & Nadia Lapusta, 2013. "Stable creeping fault segments can become destructive as a result of dynamic weakening," Nature, Nature, vol. 493(7433), pages 518-521, January.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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