Fine-scale structure of the San Andreas fault zone and location of the SAFOD target earthquakes

Geophysical Research Letters
By: , and 

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Abstract

We present results from the tomographic analysis of seismic data from the Parkfield area using three different inversion codes. The models provide a consistent view of the complex velocity structure in the vicinity of the San Andreas, including a sharp velocity contrast across the fault. We use the inversion results to assess our confidence in the absolute location accuracy of a potential target earthquake. We derive two types of accuracy estimates, one based on a consideration of the location differences from the three inversion methods, and the other based on the absolute location accuracy of “virtual earthquakes.” Location differences are on the order of 100–200 m horizontally and up to 500 m vertically. Bounds on the absolute location errors based on the “virtual earthquake” relocations are ∼50 m horizontally and vertically. The average of our locations places the target event epicenter within about 100 m of the SAF surface trace.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Fine-scale structure of the San Andreas fault zone and location of the SAFOD target earthquakes
Series title Geophysical Research Letters
DOI 10.1029/2003GL019398
Volume 31
Issue 12
Publication Date May 18, 2004
Year Published 2004
Language English
Publisher American Geophysical Union
Description L12S02, 4 p.
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial San Andreas Fault
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