Seismicity and thermal structure along the northern San Andreas Fault system, California, USA

Kevin P. Furlong, Suzanne M. Atkinson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

The correlation between depth patterns of seismicity and crustal thermal regime are investigated for the San Andreas Fault system. Regions of anomalous behavior include the occurrence of seismicity at temperatures (depths) substantially greater than or the cessation of seismicity at temperatures (depths) less than typical values observed in seismically active regions of the continents. Seismicity at temperatures significantly greater than target values indicate a need to re-evaluate the assumed geotherm and crustal lithology model. Regions where the seismicity cutoff is at temperatures significantly below target values are possible sites for the future occurrence of significantly deeper earthquakes than presently observed. Such sites need further study for analysis of possible increased earthquake risk. Comparisons of seismicity patterns with crustal thermal models may also provide a powerful tool in the evaluation of the patterns of heat production and thermal conductivity in heterogeneous continental crust.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)23-30
Number of pages8
JournalTectonophysics
Volume217
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 15 1993

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Geophysics
  • Earth-Surface Processes

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