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Breaks in Pavement and Pipes as Indicators of Range-Front Faulting Resulting from the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake near the Southwest Margin of the Santa Clara Valley, California

Open-File Report 95-820
By: , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr95820

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Abstract

Damage to pavement and near-surface utility pipes, caused by the October 17, 1989, Loma Prieta earthquake, provide indicators for ground deformation in a 663 km2 area near the southwest margin of the Santa Clara Valley, California. The spatial distribution of 1284 sites of such damage documents the extent and distribution of detectable ground deformation. Damage was concentrated in four zones, three of which are near previously mapped faults. The zone through Los Gatos showed the highest concentration of damage, as well as evidence for pre- and post-earthquake deformation. Damage along the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains reflected shortening that is consistent with movement along reverse faults in the region and with the hypothesis that tectonic strain is distributed widely across numerous faults in the California Coast Ranges.

Suggested Citation

Schmidt, K.M., Ellen, S.D., Haugerud, R.A., Peterson, D.M., and Phelps, G.A., 1995, Breaks in Pavement and Pipes as Indicators of Range-Front Faulting Resulting from the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake near the Southwest Margin of the Santa Clara Valley, California (Version 1.0 ): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 95-820, Report: 36 p.; 2 Plates - Plate 1: 31.5 x 29.5 inches, Plate 2: 45 x 28.5 inches, https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr95820.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Breaks in Pavement and Pipes as Indicators of Range-Front Faulting Resulting from the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake near the Southwest Margin of the Santa Clara Valley, California
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 95-820
DOI 10.3133/ofr95820
Edition Version 1.0
Year Published 1995
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) Western Earth Surface Processes
Description Report: 36 p.; 2 Plates - Plate 1: 31.5 x 29.5 inches, Plate 2: 45 x 28.5 inches
Time Range Start 1989-10-17
Time Range End 1989-10-17
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details