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Geomorphic Indicators of Neotectonic Activity along the Santa Ynez fault, in Santa Barbara County, CA

Faith E. Burkett

Published August 16, 2021, SCEC Contribution #11623, 2021 SCEC Annual Meeting Poster #080

The Santa Ynez Fault (SYF) is located on the northern edge of the western Transverse Ranges (WTR) in southern California. Past studies have interpreted reverse and left-lateral offset along the SYF based on the displacement of Miocene and older rocks. The Quaternary kinematics and recency of surface rupture, however, have not been documented. An improved understanding of the fault's Quaternary history is crucial for evaluating regional tectonic activity and assessing seismic hazards in the WTR. This project aims to assess the seismic hazard posed by the SYF and its contribution to the topographic development of the WTR. Based on my preliminary mapping, I hypothesize that the SYF is an active fault and that offset Quaternary deposits are present in some locations. Therefore, mapping, measuring, and dating these deposits will lead to the determination of the Quaternary kinematics and allow for documentation of recency of faulting and the Quaternary slip rate.

Citation
Burkett, F. E. (2021, 08). Geomorphic Indicators of Neotectonic Activity along the Santa Ynez fault, in Santa Barbara County, CA. Poster Presentation at 2021 SCEC Annual Meeting.


Related Projects & Working Groups
Earthquake Geology