Faults have a controlling influence on a variety of geologic processes includingfluid flow, the mechanical behavior of the crust, and seismicity. The geologic sciences have long recognized that faults generate earthquakes; however, few indicators of ancient earthquakes exist in fault-zones. This dissertation documents several indicators for the preservation of ancient earthquakes in fault-zones including frictional melt (pseudotachylyte), highly-polished fault slip surfaces, and hydrothermal alteration. These deformation products result from rapid generation of frictional heat during earthquakes.This dissertation also focuses on the seismic potential of continental low-angle normal faults (LANF). We document the preservation of voluminous pseudotachylyte along a LANF suggesting that the fault repeatedly nucleated large earthquakes. Additionally, a synthesis of reported occurrences of LANF pseudotachylyte indicates that LANF seismicity is common during extension. This has important implication for the mechanics and evolution of LANFs and for the assessment of seismic hazards.We also present a little used, high resolution, and low-cost 3D range camera for use in geolgy. The KinectTM is a 3D infrared range camera that can be used to collect high- resolution (± 1 mm), 3D data in both field and laboratory settings. We describe the use of the KinectTM in geologic appications and recommend more widespread use.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UTAHS/oai:digitalcommons.usu.edu:etd-3042 |
| Date | 01 May 2013 |
| Creators | Prante, Mitchell R. |
| Publisher | DigitalCommons@USU |
| Source Sets | Utah State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | All Graduate Theses and Dissertations |
| Rights | Copyright for this work is held by the author. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user. For more information contact Andrew Wesolek (andrew.wesolek@usu.edu). |
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