Abstract
<p>We investigated two prominent, <strong><sup>~</sup></strong>E-W trending scarps in Quaternary sediments, located close to the town of Vodice in the Ljubljana Basin (central Slovenia). By using detailed geomorphological analysis of the scarps, field surveying, and structural observations of deformed Quaternary sediments, we conclude that the scarps are the surface expression of a N-dipping thrust fault that has been active during the Quaternary. From Optically Stimulated Luminescence and Infrared Stimulated Luminescence dating of deformed Quaternary sediments we estimate a slip rate of 0.1 to 0.3 mm a<sup>-1 </sup>in the last 133 ka. Using the published empirical fault-scaling relationships, we estimate that an earthquake of magnitude 5.9 to 6.5 may be expected on the Vodice thrust fault. The fault may, therefore, present a major seismic hazard for the densely populated and urbanised region of central Slovenia.</p>
Highlights
The Ljubljana Basin (Figure 1) is the most densely populated and a highly urbanized region of Slovenia
Preliminary results of our investigation confirm that the two scarps near Vodice are the surface expression of an emergent active thrust fault, striking ENE-WSW and dipping about 35° towards N
Assuming that the Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) and Infrared Stimulated Luminescence (IRSL) ages yielded from the deposits of the upper deformed surface represent the maximum age for this surface, we estimate that this surface has been offset for
Summary
The Ljubljana Basin (Figure 1) is the most densely populated and a highly urbanized region of Slovenia. Among the natural hazards affecting the basin and its surroundings, such as flooding, landsliding and earthquakes [e.g. The seismic hazard is further increased by the unconsolidated Quaternary sedimentary infill of the basin, reaching up to 280 m of thickness, which may significantly enhance site effects during earthquakes [Gosar et al 2010]. The largest recorded event in the basin is the destructive 1895 Ljubljana earthquake with macroseismic magnitude (Mm) 6.1 [Ribarič 1982] and maximum intensities of VIII-IX EMS-98 [Cecić 1998]. The active faults capable of producing strong magnitude earthquakes are still poorly investigated. The fault responsible for the 1895 earthquake is still unknown
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