Dynamic rupture models of earthquakes on the Bartlett Springs Fault, Northern California

Authors

Julian C. Lozos, Stanford/USGS, Menlo Park, California, USAFollow
Ruth A. Harris, USGS, Menlo Park, California
Jessica R. Murray, USGS, Menlo Park, California
James J. Lienkaemper, USGS, Menlo Park, California

Date of this Version

2015

Citation

LOZOS ET AL. BARTLETT SPRINGS FAULT EARTHQUAKE MODELS 4343-4349

Abstract

The Bartlett Springs Fault (BSF), the easternmost branch of the northern San Andreas Fault system, creeps along much of its length. Geodetic data for the BSF are sparse, and surface creep rates are generally poorly constrained. The two existing geodetic slip rate inversions resolve at least one locked patch within the creeping zones. We use the 3-D finite element code FaultMod to conduct dynamic rupture models based on both geodetic inversions, in order to determine the ability of rupture to propagate into the creeping regions, as well as to assess possible magnitudes for BSF ruptures. For both sets of models, we find that the distribution of aseismic creep limits the extent of coseismic rupture, due to the contrast in frictional properties between the locked and creeping regions.