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Search indexed USGS publications on groundwater, aquifers, geologic maps, mineral resources and earthquakes. Explore source records by subject and place.

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At least 1,387 records · Page 77Linked to original sources
USGS2018

Shallow bedrock limits groundwater seepage-based headwater climate refugia

Groundwater/surface-water exchanges in streams are inexorably linked to adjacent aquifer dynamics. As surface-water temperatures continue to increase with climate warming, refugia created by groundwater connectivity is expected to enable cold water fish species to survive. The shallow alluvial aquifers that source groundwater seepage to headwater streams, however, may also be sensitive to seasonal and long-term air temperature dynamics. Depth to bedrock can directly influence shallow aquifer flow and thermal sensitivity, but is typically ill-defined along the stream corridor in steep mountain catchments. We employ rapid, cost-effective passive seismic measurements to evaluate the variable thickness of the shallow colluvial and alluvial aquifer sediments along a headwater stream supporting cold water-dependent brook trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis ) in Shenandoah National Park, VA, USA. Using a mean depth to bedrock of 2.6 m, numerical models predicted strong sensitivity of shallow aquifer temperature to the downward propagation of surface heat. The annual temperature dynamics (annual signal amplitude attenuation and phase shift) of potential seepage sourced from the shallow modeled aquifer were compared to several years of paired observed stream and air temperature records. Annual stream water temperature patterns were found to lag local air temperature by ∼8–19 d along the stream corridor, indicating that thermal exchange between the stream and shallow groundwater is spatially variable. Locations with greater annual signal phase lag were also associated with locally increased amplitude attenuation, further suggestion of year-round buffering of channel water temperature by groundwater seepage. Numerical models of shallow groundwater temperature that incorporate regional expected climate warming trends indicate that the summer cooling capacity of this groundwater seepage will be reduced over time, and lower-elevation stream sections may no longer serve as larger-scale climate refugia for cold water fish species, even with strong groundwater discharge.

Limnologica - Ecology and Management of Inland Wat↗
USGS2000

Quality assurance and analysis of water levels in wells on Pahute Mesa and vicinity, Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada

Periodic and continual water-level data from 1963 to 1998 were compiled and quality assured for 65 observation wells on Pahute Mesa and vicinity, Nye County, Nevada. As part of the quality assurance of all water levels, ancillary data pertinent to computing hydraulic heads in wells were compiled and analyzed. Quality-assured water levels that were not necessarily in error but which did not represent static heads in the regional aquifer system, or required some other qualification, were flagged. Water levels flagged include those recovering from recent pumping or well construction, water levels affected by nuclear tests, and measurements affected by borehole deviations. A cursory examination of about 30 wells with available water-level and down-hole temperature data indicate that water levels in most wells on Pahute Mesa would not be significantly affected by temperature if corrected to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Wells with large corrections (greater than 10 feet) are those with long water columns (greater than 1,500 feet of water above the assumed point of inflow) in combination with mean water-column temperatures exceeding 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Water-level fluctuations in wells on Pahute Mesa are caused by several factors including infiltration of precipitation, barometric pressure, Earth tides, ground-water pumpage, and seismic events caused by tectonic activity and underground nuclear testing. No observed water-level fluctuations were attributed to a naturally occurring earthquake. The magnitude and duration of changes in water levels caused by nuclear tests are affected by the test size and the distance from a well to the test. Identifying water levels that might be affected by past nuclear tests is difficult because pre-testing water-level data are sparse. Hydrologically significant trends were found in 13 of 25 wells with multiple years of water-level record. The largest change in water levels (1,029 feet in 25 years) occurred in well U-19v PS 1D as a result of the Almendro nuclear test. Likely explanations for trends in most of the wells are either changes in precipitation patterns that affect recharge rates to the ground-water system, pumping effects from water-supply well U-20 WW, or a combination of these two factors.

Nevada↗
USGS2012

Importance of model parameterization in finite fault inversions: Application to the 1974 Mw 8.0 Peru Earthquake

The spatial and temporal slip distributions for the October 3, 1974 ( M w = 8.0), Peru subduction zone earthquake and its largest aftershock on November 9 ( M s = 7.1) are calculated and analyzed in terms of the inversion parameterization and tectonic significance. Teleseismic, long-period World-Wide Standard Seismograph Network, P and SH waveforms are inverted to obtain the rupture histories. We demonstrate that erroneous results are obtained if a parameterization is used that does not allow for a sufficiently complex source, involving spatial variation in slip amplitude, risetime, and rupture time. The inversion method utilizes a parameterization of the fault that allows for a discretized source risetime and rupture time. Well-located aftershocks recorded on a local network have the same general pattern as teleseismically determined hypocenters and help to constrain the geometry of the subduction zone. For the main shock a hinged fault is preferred having a shallow plane with a dip of 11° and a deeper, landward plane with a dip of 30°. The preferred nucleation depth lies between 11 and 15 km. A bilateral rupture is obtained with two major concentrations of slip, one 60 to 70 km to the northwest of the epicenter and a second 80 to 100 km to the south and southeast of the epicenter. For these source regions, risetimes vary from 6 to 18 s. Our estimates of risetimes are consistent with the time for the rupture to traverse the dominant local asperity. The slip distribution for the November 9 aftershock falls within a conspicuous hole in the main shock rupture pattern, near the hypocenter of the main shock. The November 9 event has a simple risetime function with a duration of 2 s. Aftershocks recorded by the local network are shown to cluster near the hypocenter of the impending November 9 event and downdip from the largest main shock source region. Slip during the main shock is concentrated at shallow depths above 15 km and extends updip from the hypocenter to near the plate boundary at the trench axis. The large amount of slip at shallow depths is attributed to the absence of any significant accretionary wedge of sediments, and the relatively young age and high convergence rate of the subducted plate, which results in good seismic coupling near the trench axis.

Journal of Geophysical Research B: Solid Earth↗
USGS2020

Localized fault-zone dilatancy and surface inelasticity of the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes

Earthquakes produce a spectrum of elastic and inelastic deformation processes that are reflected across various length and time scales. While elasticity has long dominated research assumptions in active tectonics, increasing interest has focused on the inelastic characteristics of earthquakes, particularly those of the surface fault rupture zone itself, and how they relate to ground rupture hazard and the mechanics of damage zones. Here we present detailed co-seismic surface-strain analysis of the 2019 Ridgecrest, California, earthquakes. We derive three-dimensional high-resolution surface displacements from satellite optical imagery, which we then invert for the co-seismic surface-strain tensors. We show that fault-zone dilation is pervasive throughout these earthquakes and that inelastic failure is present but relatively localized (median width of 31 m). The width of the inelastic failure zone is not correlated to off-fault deformation, surface geology or displacement magnitude. Instead, the extent and kinematics of inelastic failure reflect active, mylonitic deformation of the fault damage zone that is influenced by rupture velocity and fault maturity. These results highlight how a single earthquake contributes to the long-term, permanent geologic record of faulting.

California↗
USGS1987

Maps showing distribution of the Middle Cretaceous unconformity in the eastern Gulf of Mexico

Several theories on the origin of the Gulf of Mexico basin have been introduced by various researchers (Beloussov, 1970; Freeland and Dietz, 1971; Malfait and Dinkelman, 1972; Wood and Walper, 1974; Pilger, 1978; Buffler and others, 1980; Dickinson and Coney, 1980; Gose and others, 1980; Schmidt-Effing, 1980; Walper, 1980; Schlager and others, 1984). Although no final agreement has been reached, one prominent geologic feature is generally recognized. The early evolution of the basin ended with a major middle Cretaceous event resulting in a Gulf-wide unconformity referred to as the middle Cretaceous unconformity (MCU). This event represents a major shift from Early Cretaceous shallow-water bank sedimentation to Late Cretaceous deeper water carbonates (Worzel and others, 1973; Mitchum, 1978). Seismic data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Texas Marine Science Institute, Galveston Geophysics Laboratory (UTMSI-GGL) were used to map the MCU and its relationship to the deep stratigraphy and structure of the eastern Gulf basin east of long 90° W. In addition, data from the Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) in the southeastern Gulf and along the Campeche Escarpment and dredge samples collected by Schlager and others (1984) from the Florida Escarpment provide an age for the MCU (Cenomanian, 97 m. y. ) and a detailed lithological record. This report emphasizes the salt diapirs, pillows, and ridges in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico because of the profound effect these geologic structures have on the MCU. Salt locations are shown on the isopach of post-MCU sediments (fig. 1). A second map shows pre-middle Cretaceous outcrops terminated by the MCU along the Florida Escarpment, the southeastern Gulf, and the Campeche Escarpment (fig. 2).

Miscellaneous Field Studies Map↗
USGS2026

Site-specific amplifications in Northwestern Turkiye: A generic approach

In this study, we derive generic site amplification functions applicable to Northwestern Türkiye and follow guidance on site classifications established by the United States National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP). We employ the one-dimensional (1-D) equivalent linear ground response analysis method and focus on recordings from a select suite of free-field strong motion (SM) stations. These particular SM stations are associated with a comprehensive geotechnical site conditions dataset comprising 76 shear-wave velocity profiles. Despite their varying resolutions and depths, this diversity allows for a more representative analysis across different site conditions, enhancing the robustness of our findings. For analyses, we utilize a robust set of global ground motion records, selected from both within and outside of Türkiye, to serve as strong and weak input bedrock motions. Site amplification is determined by propagating these bedrock records through 76 site-specific Afet ve Acil Durum Yönetimi Başkanlığı (AFAD) station profiles and calculating the spectral acceleration ratio between the ground surface and the input motion. Our analyses reveal substantial disparities between the amplification functions derived from 1-D site response analyses using strong and weak input motions. These disparities are central to our analysis and inform the subsequent comparison with site amplification functions reported in the literature. We compare the generic site amplification functions derived in this study with those reported in the literature for regions with similar geological and seismic conditions to Northwestern Türkiye. For example, site amplification functions for NEHRP Site Classes C and D have been documented for Greece and the United States utilizing frequency-dependent methods such as the quarter-wavelength approximation. Our findings reveal that the generic site amplification functions derived in this study exhibit differences in peak amplitudes and predominant frequencies compared to those in the literature, reflecting regional variations in geotechnical and seismic properties. This study represents an initial effort to formulate generic site amplification functions for Türkiye, with a particular emphasis on the Northwestern region. A thorough literature review indicated no prior studies have proposed such functions specifically for this area.

Northwestern Turkiye↗
USGS2024

Awakening of Maunaloa linked to melt shared from Kilauea’s mantle source

Maunaloa—the largest active volcano on Earth—erupted in 2022 after its longest known repose period (~38 years) and two decades of volcanic unrest. This eruptive hiatus at Maunaloa encompasses most of the ~35-year-long Puʻuʻōʻō eruption of neighboring Kīlauea, which ended in 2018 with a collapse of the summit caldera and an unusually voluminous (~1 km 3 ) rift eruption. A long-term pattern of such anticorrelated eruptive behavior suggests that a magmatic connection exists between these volcanoes within the asthenospheric mantle source and melting region, the lithospheric mantle, and/or the volcanic edifice. The exact nature of this connection is enigmatic. In the past, the distinct compositions of lavas from Kīlauea and Maunaloa were thought to require completely separate magma pathways from the mantle source of each volcano to the surface. Here, we use a nearly 200-yr record of lava chemistry from both volcanoes to demonstrate that melt from a shared mantle source within the Hawaiian plume may be transported alternately to Kīlauea or Maunaloa on a timescale of decades. This process led to a correlated temporal variation in 206 Pb/ 204 Pb and 87 Sr/ 86 Sr at these volcanoes since the early 19th century with each becoming more active when it received melt from the shared source. Ratios of highly over moderately incompatible trace elements (e.g., Nb/Y) at Kīlauea reached a minimum from ~2000 to 2010, which coincides with an increase in seismicity and inflation at the summit of Maunaloa. Thereafter, a reversal in Nb/Y at Kīlauea signals a decline in the degree of mantle partial melting at this volcano and suggests that melt from the shared source is now being diverted from Kīlauea to Maunaloa for the first time since the early to mid-20th century. These observations link a mantle-related shift in melt generation and transport at Kīlauea to the awakening of Maunaloa in 2002 and its eruption in 2022. Monitoring of lava chemistry is a potential tool that may be used to forecast the behavior (e.g., eruption rate and frequency) of these adjacent volcanoes on a timescale of decades. A future increase in eruptive activity at Maunaloa is likely if the temporal increase in Nb/Y continues at Kīlauea.

Hawaii↗
USGS2017

New constraints on coseismic slip during southern Cascadia subduction zone earthquakes over the past 4600 years implied by tsunami deposits and marine turbidites

Forecasting earthquake and tsunami hazards along the southern Cascadia subduction zone is complicated by uncertainties in the amount of megathrust fault slip during past ruptures. Here, we estimate slip on hypothetical ruptures of the southern part of the megathrust through comparisons of late Holocene Cascadia earthquake histories derived from tsunami deposits on land and marine turbidites offshore. Bradley Lake in southern Oregon lies ~600 m landward of the shoreline and contains deposits from 12 tsunamis in the past 4600 years. Tsunami simulations that overtop the 6-m-high lake outlet, generated by ruptures with most slip south of Cape Blanco, require release of at least as much strain on the megathrust as would accumulate in 430–640 years (>15–22 m). Such high slip is inconsistent with global seismic data for a rupture ~300-km long and slip deficits over the past ~4700 years on the southern Cascadia subduction zone. Assuming slip deficits accumulated during the time intervals between marine turbidites, up to 8 of 12 tsunami inundations at the lake are predicted from a marine core site 170 km north of the lake (at Hydrate Ridge) compared to 4 of 12 when using a core site ~80 km south (at Rogue Apron). Longer time intervals between turbidites at Hydrate Ridge imply larger slip deficits compared to Rogue Apron. The different inundations predicted by the two records suggest that Hydrate Ridge records subduction ruptures that extend past both Rogue Apron and Bradley Lake. We also show how turbidite-based estimates of CSZ rupture length relate to tsunami source scenarios for probabilistic tsunami hazard assessments consistent with lake inundations over the last ~4600 years.

Oregon↗
USGS2012

Chapter two: Phenomenology of tsunamis II: Scaling, event statistics, and inter-event triggering

Observations related to tsunami catalogs are reviewed and described in a phenomenological framework. An examination of scaling relationships between earthquake size (as expressed by scalar seismic moment and mean slip) and tsunami size (as expressed by mean and maximum local run-up and maximum far-field amplitude) indicates that scaling is significant at the 95% confidence level, although there is uncertainty in how well earthquake size can predict tsunami size (R 2 ~ 0.4-0.6). In examining tsunami event statistics, current methods used to estimate the size distribution of earthquakes and landslides and the inter-event time distribution of earthquakes are first reviewed. These methods are adapted to estimate the size and inter-event distribution of tsunamis at a particular recording station. Using a modified Pareto size distribution, the best-fit power-law exponents of tsunamis recorded at nine Pacific tide-gauge stations exhibit marked variation, in contrast to the approximately constant power-law exponent for inter-plate thrust earthquakes. With regard to the inter-event time distribution, significant temporal clustering of tsunami sources is demonstrated. For tsunami sources occurring in close proximity to other sources in both space and time, a physical triggering mechanism, such as static stress transfer, is a likely cause for the anomalous clustering. Mechanisms of earthquake-to-earthquake and earthquake-to-landslide triggering are reviewed. Finally, a modification of statistical branching models developed for earthquake triggering is introduced to describe triggering among tsunami sources.

Advances in Geophysics↗
USGS2006

Real-time monitoring and massive inversion of source parameters of very long period seismic signals: An application to Stromboli Volcano, Italy

We present a comprehensive processing tool for the real‐time analysis of the source mechanism of very long period (VLP) seismic data based on waveform inversions performed in the frequency domain for a point source. A search for the source providing the best‐fitting solution is conducted over a three‐dimensional grid of assumed source locations, in which the Green's functions associated with each point source are calculated by finite differences using the reciprocal relation between source and receiver. Tests performed on 62 nodes of a Linux cluster indicate that the waveform inversion and search for the best‐fitting signal over 100,000 point sources require roughly 30 s of processing time for a 2‐min‐long record. The procedure is applied to post‐processing of a data archive and to continuous automatic inversion of real‐time data at Stromboli, providing insights into different modes of degassing at this volcano.

Stromboli volcano↗
USGS1972

Ground motion values for use in the seismic design of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline system

The proposed trans-Alaska oil pipeline, which would traverse the state north to south from Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic coast to Valdez on Prince William Sound, will be subject to serious earthquake hazards over much of its length. To be acceptable from an environmental standpoint, the pipeline system is to be designed to minimize the potential of oil leakage resulting from seismic shaking, faulting, and seismically induced ground deformation. The design of the pipeline system must accommodate the effects of earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 5.5 to 8.5 as specified in the 'Stipulations for Proposed Trans-Alaskan Pipeline System.' This report characterizes ground motions for the specified earthquakes in terms of peak levels of ground acceleration, velocity, and displacement and of duration of shaking. Published strong motion data from the Western United States are critically reviewed to determine the intensity and duration of shaking within several kilometers of the slipped fault. For magnitudes 5 and 6, for which sufficient near-fault records are available, the adopted ground motion values are based on data. For larger earthquakes the values are based on extrapolations from the data for smaller shocks, guided by simplified theoretical models of the faulting process.

Circular↗
USGS2007

Regression models for estimating coseismic landslide displacement

Newmark's sliding-block model is widely used to estimate coseismic slope performance. Early efforts to develop simple regression models to estimate Newmark displacement were based on analysis of the small number of strong-motion records then available. The current availability of a much larger set of strong-motion records dictates that these regression equations be updated. Regression equations were generated using data derived from a collection of 2270 strong-motion records from 30 worldwide earthquakes. The regression equations predict Newmark displacement in terms of (1) critical acceleration ratio, (2) critical acceleration ratio and earthquake magnitude, (3) Arias intensity and critical acceleration, and (4) Arias intensity and critical acceleration ratio. These equations are well constrained and fit the data well (71% < R2 < 88%), but they have standard deviations of about 0.5 log units, such that the range defined by the mean ?? one standard deviation spans about an order of magnitude. These regression models, therefore, are not recommended for use in site-specific design, but rather for regional-scale seismic landslide hazard mapping or for rapid preliminary screening of sites. ?? 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Engineering Geology↗
USGS2001

Local site effects and dynamic soil behavior

Amplitudes of seismic waves increase significantly as they pass through soft soil layers near the earth's surface. This phenomenon, commonly known as site amplification, is a major factor influencing the extent of damage on structures. It is crucial that site amplification is accounted for when designing structures on soft soils. The characteristics of site amplification at a given site can be estimated by analytical models, as well as field tests. Analytical models require as inputs the geometry of all soil layers from surface to bedrock, their dynamic properties (e.g. density, wave velocity, damping), and the incident bedrock motions. Field tests involve recording and analyzing the dynamic response of sites to artificial excitations, ambient forces, and actual earthquakes. The most reliable estimates of site amplification are obtained by analyzing the recorded motions of the site during strong earthquakes. This paper presents a review of the types and the generating mechanisms of site amplification, and the models and methods that are used to characterize them from earthquake records. ?? 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering↗
USGS2001

A test of a mechanical multi-impact shear-wave seismic source

We modified two gasoline-engine-powered earth tampers, commonly used as compressional-(P) wave seismic energy sources for shallow reflection studies, for use as shear(S)-wave energy sources. This new configuration, termed ?Hacker? (horizontal Wacker?), is evaluated as an alternative to the manual sledgehammer typically used in conjunction with a large timber held down by the front wheels of a vehicle. The Hacker maximizes the use of existing equipment by a quick changeover of bolt-on accessories as opposed to the handling of a separate source, and is intended to improve the depth of penetration of S-wave data by stacking hundreds of impacts over a two to three minute period. Records were made with a variety of configurations involving up to two Hackers simultaneously then compared to a reference record made with a sledgehammer. Preliminary results indicate moderate success by the higher amplitude S-waves recorded with the Hacker as compared to the hammer method. False triggers generated by the backswing of the Hacker add unwanted noise and we are currently working to modify the device to eliminate this effect. Correlation noise caused by insufficient randomness of the Hacker impact sequence is also a significant noise problem that we hope to reduce by improving the coupling of the Hacker to the timber so that the operator has more control over the impact sequence.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1977

Evolution of Seismic Geyser, Yellowstone National Park

The most significant event that has affected the geyser basins of Yellowstone National Park since its discovery was the Hebgen Lake earthquake, which occurred at 11:37 PM on August 17, 1959, with a Richter magnitude of 7.1. The epicenter of this earthquake was just west of the park, about 48 km northwest of the Upper Geyser Basin. No earthquake of comparable intensity had jarred the geyser basins in historic times. More hydrothermal changes occurred in response to this disturbance than during the previous 90 years of the park's history. During the first few days after the earthquake, a reconnaissance was made of most of the thermal features in the Firehole River geyser basins (fig. 1). Early results showed that at least 289 springs had erupted as geysers, and, of these, 160 were springs with no previous record of eruption (Marler, 1964). Some previously obscure springs had erupted very powerfully, and large pieces of sinter were strewn about their craters.

Wyoming↗
USGS1988

Waveform modelling using locked-mode synthetic and differential seismograms: application to determination of the structure of Mexico

We have developed algorithms for modelling seismic waveforms to constrain regional Earth structure. The seismogram is represented as a sum of locked-mode travelling waves in a layered medium. This representation is convenient as it allows us to model structures with slowly varying heterogeneity and to construct differential seismograms. Describes the techniques we have implemented that enable us to compute synthetic and differential seismograms in an efficient and stable manner. The computational methods are sufficiently rapid that many modes can be included and in some cases the entire seismogram may be modified. These algorithms are applied to model a set of seismograms of southern Mexican earthquakes recorded in northern Mexico. The frequency bandwidth of these data is centred at 0.067 Hz and we demonstrate that even at these relatively high frequencies, many features of the seismogram can be successfully modelled. Our results suggest that the structure within the recording array in northern Mexico is resolvably different from that to the south. We find that the average shear velocity of the lower lithosphere of southern Mexico is very low, approximately 4.3 km s-1. If the low-velocity region is confined to the Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt, the shear velocities between 20-80 km depth are approximately 3.3 km s-1. This may be correlated with partial melt and is consistent with the active volcanism and high heat flow found in the region. -Authors

Geophysical Journal International↗
USGS2006

Design and application of an electromagnetic vibrator seismic source

Vibrational seismic sources frequently provide a higher-frequency seismic wavelet (and therefore better resolution) than other sources, and can provide a superior signal-to-noise ratio in many settings. However, they are often prohibitively expensive for lower-budget shallow surveys. In order to address this problem, I designed and built a simple but effective vibrator source for about one thousand dollars. The "EMvibe" is an inexpensive electromagnetic vibrator that can be built with easy-to-machine parts and off-the-shelf electronics. It can repeatably produce pulse and frequency-sweep signals in the range of 5 to 650 Hz, and provides sufficient energy for recording at offsets up to 20 m. Analysis of frequency spectra show that the EMvibe provides a broader frequency range than the sledgehammer at offsets up to ??? 10 m in data collected at a site with soft sediments in the upper several meters. The EMvibe offers a high-resolution alternative to the sledgehammer for shallow surveys. It is well-suited to teaching applications, and to surveys requiring a precisely-repeatable source signature.

Journal of Environmental & Engineering Geophysics↗
USGS1987

The Japan Trench and its juncture with the Kuril Trench: cruise results of the Kaiko project, Leg 3

This paper presents the results of a detailed survey combining Seabeam mapping, gravity and geomagnetic measurements as well as single-channel seismic reflection observations in the Japan Trench and the juncture with the Kuril Trench during the French-Japanese Kaiko project (northern sector of the Leg 3) on the R/V “Jean Charcot”. The main data acquired during the cruise, such as the Seabeam maps, magnetic anomalies pattern, and preliminary interpretations are discussed. These new data cover an area of 18,000 km 2 and provide for the first time a detailed three-dimensional image of the Japan Trench. Combined with the previous results, the data indicate new structural interpretations. A comparative study of Seabeam morphology, single-channel and reprocessed multichannel records lead to the conclusion that along the northern Japan Trench there is little evidence of accretion but, instead, a tectonic erosion of the overriding plate. The tectonic pattern on the oceanic side of the trench is controlled by the creation of new normal faults parallel to the Japan Trench axis, which is a direct consequence of the downward flexure of the Pacific plate. In addition to these new faults, ancient normal faults trending parallel to the N65° oceanic magnetic anomalies and oblique to the Japan trench axis are reactivated, so that two directions of normal faulting are observed seaward of the Japan Trench. Only one direction of faulting is observed seaward of the Kuril Trench because of the parallelism between the trench axis and the magnetic anomalies. The convergent front of the Kuril Trench is offset left-laterally by 20 km relative to those of the Japan Trench. This transform fault and the lower slope of the southernmost Kuril Trench are represented by very steep scarps more than 2 km high. Slightly south of the juncture, the Erimo Seamount riding on the Pacific plate, is now entering the subduction zone. It has been preceded by at least another seamount as revealed by magnetic anomalies across the landward slope of the trench. Deeper future studies will be necessary to discriminate between the two following hypothesis about the origin of the curvature between both trenches: Is it due to the collision of an already subducted chain of seamounts? or does it correspond to one of the failure lines of the America/Eurasia plate boundary?

Earth and Planetary Science Letters↗