The influence of anthropogenic regulation and evaporite dissolution on earthquake-triggered ground failure

Nature Communications
By: , and 

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Abstract

Remote sensing observations of Searles Lake following the 2019 moment magnitude 7.1 Ridgecrest, California, earthquake reveal an area where surface ejecta is arranged in a repeating hexagonal pattern that is collocated with a solution-mining operation. By analyzing geologic and geotechnical data, here we show that the hexagonal surface ejecta is likely not a result of liquefaction. Instead, we propose dissolution cavity collapse (DCC) as an alternative driving mechanism. We support this theory with pre-event Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar data, which reveals differential subsidence patterns and the creation of subsurface void space. We also find that DCC is likely triggered at a lower shaking threshold than classical liquefaction. This and other unknown mechanisms can masquerade as liquefaction, introducing bias into liquefaction prediction models that rely on liquefaction inventories. This paper also highlights the opportunities and drawbacks of using remote sensing data to disentangle the complex factors that influence earthquake-triggered ground failure.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title The influence of anthropogenic regulation and evaporite dissolution on earthquake-triggered ground failure
Series title Nature Communications
DOI 10.1038/s41467-024-46335-3
Volume 15
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher Nature
Contributing office(s) Geologic Hazards Science Center - Seismology / Geomagnetism
Description 2114, 11 p.
Country United States
State California
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