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Low strength of deep San Andreas fault gouge from SAFOD core

Author

Listed:
  • David A. Lockner

    (US Geological Survey)

  • Carolyn Morrow

    (US Geological Survey)

  • Diane Moore

    (US Geological Survey)

  • Stephen Hickman

    (US Geological Survey)

Abstract

A soft spot on the San Andreas fault Laboratory measurements of the strength of core samples from a drill hole located northwest of Parkfield, California, near the southern end of a creeping zone of the San Andreas fault, demonstrate that the fault is profoundly weak at this location and depth. This is because of the presence of the smectite clay mineral saponite — one of the weakest phyllosilicates known. The finding suggests that deformation of the mechanically unusual creeping portions of the San Andreas fault system is controlled by the presence of weak minerals, rather than by high fluid pressure or other proposed mechanisms.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:472:y:2011:i:7341:d:10.1038_nature09927
    DOI: 10.1038/nature09927
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    Cited by:

    1. 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.
    2. Wei Feng & Lu Yao & Chiara Cornelio & Rodrigo Gomila & Shengli Ma & Chaoqun Yang & Luigi Germinario & Claudio Mazzoli & Giulio Di Toro, 2023. "Physical state of water controls friction of gabbro-built faults," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.

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