The high resolution data obtained across the inferred location of the Santa Monica Fault in west L.A. confirm that the scarps in the area are flexures above a recently active transpressional fault. The fault splits in the upper 40 m into near-vertical fractures with predominantly strike-slip motion. Reflection profiles indicate that the fault most likely dips between 30-35 degrees near the surface. Age dates on the untilted strata indicate that the last major vertical motion has been at least 1000 years ago.
This study demonstrated how complementary geologic, geomorphic and seismic reflection data are all critical in assessing the earthquake hazards of active faults.
Home