Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center

12 Sep, 12 AM - 14 Sep, 11 AM

Geologic faults ubiquitously contain a layer of crushed rock (fault gouge) that is sheared by relative displacement of opposing sides of the fault during slip events. The thickness of the gouge is non-uniform. As a consequence, during slip events, the sheared material potentially becomes pressurized as it is squeezed from thick areas into thin areas, lubricating the fault and promoting catastrophic earthquakes. We seek to quantify the lateral variations in thickness of fault gouge in the fault exposed along the Coyote Creek Canyon, east of Boyd Center in order to better understand the role of the gouge in earthquake slip. A low angle normal fault is exposed in the south wall of the Canyon, adjacent to the creek. Although the gouge thickness is known to vary in general, a systematic, quantitative study of the variability has never been undertaken. The exceptional exposure in the canyon presents a unique opportunity to do this.

Visit #25958 @Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center

Approved

Under Project # 24031 | Research

Fault gouge thickness variability and implications for earthquake processes

faculty - Colorado State University

Reservation Members(s)

Group of 2 Graduate Student Sep 12 - 14, 2011 (3 days)
James Kirkpatrick Sep 12 - 14, 2011 (3 days)
James Kirkpatrick Sep 12 - 14, 2011 (3 days)

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Day use 4 Sep 12 - 14, 2011