Recent crustal deformation in southern California deduced from the restoration of folded and faulted strata

Jean-Pierre Gratier, Tom E. Hopps, Christopher C. Sorlien, & Tom Wright

Published 1999, SCEC Contribution #648

A rigid element method of restoration (UNFOLD) is used to restore competent folded and faulted layers of the Ventura and Los Angeles basins to their initial horizontal state. Comparison of initial (undeformed) state with present (deformed state) allows one to estimate both the finite crustal deformation and its associated horizontal displacement field (relative to an arbitrary fixed line). Including data from the Santa Barbara Channel basin, the total finite displacement field for the western Transverse Ranges and vicinity (within the Pacific plate) is inferred from this map restoration and is modeled as a double fan closure. This model implies a 10° clockwise rotation of the northern boundary of the western Transverse Ranges and a 5° counterclockwise rotation of its northeast boundary. Lateral variation of the deformation reveals the heterogeneity of the subsurface deformation. Most of the major thrusts appear to initiate as en echelon structures along the left-lateral northern margin and the right-lateral northeastern margin of the studied area. The resulting deformation and displacement values closely match those derived by other geological methods (section balancing techniques or fault slip measurements) and by geophysical methods (geodetic, paleomagnetic, and focal mechanism data). Map restoration thus is a method that can independently quantify both local and regional deformation including folds and faults. This method also reveals the zones where problems of compatibility appear with the available geological and geophysical data and thus where the next studies might be focused.

Citation
Gratier, J., Hopps, T. E., Sorlien, C. C., & Wright, T. (1999). Recent crustal deformation in southern California deduced from the restoration of folded and faulted strata. Journal of Geophysical Research, 104(B3), 4887-4899.