New Data on the Olyutorskii Earthquake Acquired via SAR Interferometry

Abstract

A coseismic displacement field based on SAR interferometry data was determined for the area of the April 20, 2006 Olyutorskii earthquake. The resulting image shows displacements toward the satellite (“uplifts”) to the northwest of the surface rupture area where the epicenters of most aftershocks lie. The displacement- affected area extends as far as the Vyvenka–Vatyna tectonic suture. We have developed a model for the rupture surface that is in agreement with the hypothesis of A.V. Lander and T.K. Pinegina stating that the largest displacements occurred along a fault northwest of the surface rupture zone; the fault dips southeast and is not exposed. The slip on the fault is close to a pure thrust type. These results furnish another confirmation of the fact that advanced satellite technologies can provide important additional information on the dynamics of seismic regions, especially where the existing observing networks are sparse.