Abstract
Fluids may play a significant role in the earthquake rupture process. Since fluids can dramatically change the electrical resistivity of crustal rocks, electromagnetic exploration methods can image in situ fault‐zone fluids. Magnetotelluric (MT) data has been collected on segments of the San Andreas Fault (SAF) in Central California exhibiting a range of seismic behavior from locked to creeping. This paper describes MT data from the creeping segment of the SAF near Hollister, California. Inversion models image a zone of enhanced conductivity beneath the surface trace of the SAF that has similar geometry and greater depth extent than the fault zone conductor at Parkfield. Comparison with geologic and seismic tomographic studies show this zone is bounded by the San Andreas and Calaveras Faults, and coincident with a zone of low seismic P‐wave velocities. Combined with previous MT studies, this indicates a correlation between seismicity and the presence of fault‐zone fluids.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
