The geometry of fault reactivation and uplift along the central part of the Maacama fault zone, northern California Coast Ranges (USA)

Geosphere
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Abstract

Fault reactivation of bedrock structures in active fault zones influences stress state and earthquake rupture phenomena through the introduction of weak slip surfaces that impact fault zone geometry and width. Yet, geometric relationships between modern faults and older reactivated faults are difficult to quantify in rocks that have experienced multiple deformation episodes. We used new geologic mapping, geomorphic tools, and structural modeling to quantify rock uplift and subsurface fault geometry of the central part of the Maacama Fault Zone near Ukiah, California, USA, and the surrounding area. Results suggest that the northern Mayacamas Mountains are in a tectonically driven disequilibrium, with differential rock uplift focused on the western side of the range. Steeply east-dipping fault surfaces and splays characterize the geometry of the Maacama Fault Zone. We mapped two newly identified faults to the east of the main Maacama Fault, the Cow Mountain–Mill Creek Fault, and Willow Creek Fault, which align with a moderately east-dipping cluster of microseismicity between 4–10 km depth beneath the Mayacamas Mountains. Static stress modeling on the Maacama Fault Zone and newly identified faults to the east quantify slip tendency values of 0.5–0.4, which suggests that the faults are moderately to poorly suited for slip in the modern stress field and may be weak. We infer that modern uplift is driven by oblique reverse, up-to-the-east, dip-slip motion on the reactivated Cenozoic Cow Mountain–Mill Creek and Willow Creek Faults as material is advected through a restraining bend on the Maacama Fault. This study shows that reactivated bedrock faults increase the fault zone width and introduce fault surfaces that contribute a component of vertical deformation and uplift in major strike-slip fault zones. Deformation is accommodated on an interconnected network of new and reactivated faults that delineate a complex seismic hazard.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title The geometry of fault reactivation and uplift along the central part of the Maacama fault zone, northern California Coast Ranges (USA)
Series title Geosphere
DOI 10.1130/GES02750.1
Volume 20
Issue 6
Publication Date October 25, 2024
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher Geological Society of America
Contributing office(s) Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
Description 22 p.
First page 1511
Last page 1532
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Maacama Fault Zone, Northern California Coast Ranges
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