Intellectual Merit
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The primary goal of this work is to densify GPS observations in a region with sparse spatial coverage and known seismic hazard so that these observations may be incorporated into future generations of the CGM. The CGM is also an essential constraint on other community models, Community Stress and Rheology Models.
The Ventura Avenue anticline in the western Transverse Ranges near Ventura, CA, is one of the most rapidly uplifting structures in southern California, as revealed by reflection seismology and uplifted marine terraces. Understanding contraction across the Ventura fault and anticline in the context of the surrounding fault system and geometry is essential for understanding the earthquake hazard associated with these structures. Geodetic observations indicate ~7 mm/yr of contraction across the region and up to 2mm/yr of interseismic vertical uplift. However, GPS observations are sparse across and to the north of the Ventura fault, especially at longitudes spanning the Ventura Anticline (-119.5° to -119.2°). These GPS observations are essential for constraining relative motions across the Ventura Region, informing seismic hazard in the region, and understanding the fundamental nature of tectonic uplift on geodetic and geologic timescales. |
Broader Impacts
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In addition to updating the SCEC CGM, updated GPS velocities can be incorporated into seismic hazard estimation efforts such as the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast (UCERF) and the USGS National Seismic Hazard Model. All data that we acquire will be archived at the publicly available UNAVCO campaign GPS archive and made available to the broader community.
This project enabled Dr. Evans to advise undergraduate student Julia Carras in performing preliminary modeling. As part of this preliminary modeling, PI Evans created a Matlab GUI tool to quickly and easily generate 2D models of dip-slip faults. The tool has facilitated several undergraduate research projects at CSUN. CSUN is a designated Minority Serving Institution and the current percentage of underrepresented minority students in the major is 33%, and the PIs are committed to providing inclusive and equitable access to field experiences. Dr. Evans trained two undergraduate research assistants, Shayne Cornell and Sergio Hernandez, in field campaign methods and kinematic modeling.
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