Integrated Geophysical and Geological Study of Earthquakes in Normally Aseismic Areas
Abstract
Evidence presented here suggests that precise leveling can indicate subsurface fault movement not apparent from other observations. In particular, a leveling profile of relative movement in western Kentucky resembles previous leveling measurements which have been interpreted as subsurface faulting. Furthermore, a fault interpretation is consistent with other geophysical and geographical evidence, and seems more plausible than other alternative explanations. Additional leveling in this region would certainly seem warranted after an appropriate time interval has elapsed, or after any earthquakes occur. In view of the above, precise leveling should be considered a valuable tool (especially in the long term) in site decision for large construction projects whose vulnerability to damage by earth movements must be minimized. Although inconclusive, leveling data is not consistent with regional subsidence of the northern tip of the Mississippi Embayment, as has been previously suggested. Whether or not subsidence is occurring (with some unknown long-range systematic error in the leveling) or the area is indeed uplifting should be a subject for further study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA108351
Entities
People
- James York
- Larry Brown
- Richard Cardwell
- Steve Schilt
Organizations
- Cornell University