Global Positioning System Reoccupation of Earthly Triangulation Sites: Tectonic Deformation of the Southern Coast Ranges

Zheng-Kang Shen, & David D. Jackson

Published 1993, SCEC Contribution #47

We study tectonic deformation in the Southern Coast Ranges, California. We use triangulation and astronomic azimuth data collected since 1875, trilateration since 1970, and global positioning system data collected from 1986 to 1987. Two modeling techniques have been used. An elastic block-fault model is applied to study the tectonic motion of the San Andreas Fault and the San Gregorio-Hosgri Fault. Station velocities are modeled to study regional deformations. Results show that the regional deformation is predominantly controlled by deep strike-slip motion along the San Andreas Fault, at a rate of 33±2 mm/yr. Deep slip along the San Gregorio-Hosgri Fault is about 0–4 mm/yr, assuming a locked fault to a depth of 20 km. Convergence normal to the San Andreas Fault in the Southern Coast Ranges is not greater than 0.02 μrad/yr.

Citation
Shen, Z., & Jackson, D. D. (1993). Global Positioning System Reoccupation of Earthly Triangulation Sites: Tectonic Deformation of the Southern Coast Ranges. Journal of Geophysical Research, 98(B6), 9931-9946.