GSA Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado, USA - 2016

Paper No. 347-12
Presentation Time: 9:00 AM-6:30 PM

SLIP RATES OF CHAMAN FAULT SYSTEM, PAKISTAN


HUANG, Jingqiu, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, KHAN, Shuhab, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004 and KHAN, Abdul Salam, Center of Excellence in Mineralogy, University of Baluchistan, Quetta, 75400, Pakistan, hjingqiu@gmail.com

Chaman Fault System is one of the longest (~1000 km) strike-slip faults forming the western boundary of the India plate with Eurasia. Chaman Fault System consists of three major predominantly active left-lateral strike-slip faults including Ornach Nal Fault, Ghazaband Fault and Chaman Fault. Recently, a 5.4 Mw magnitude earthquake was recorded near Qilla Abdullah along Chaman Fault on May 13th, 2016. Slip rates for this fault system are well constrained, especially on its splay faults. This study used remote sensing and previous geological maps and created updated maps for Chaman Fault System. Remote sensing data allowed for detailed mapping of faults. In order to quantify the slip rates, we used a time series of ENVISAT ASAR images. A stacking SAR technique, referred to as Small Baseline Subset (SBAS), was used. This study also utilized a 2D time migration seismic reflection data that include eight lines to map the probable extension of the fault zones and interpret the subsurface structures. Fault damage zones caused discontinuity on seismic section that are used to identify Chaman Fault System and its splay faults at depth. Combination of remote sensing and seismic profiles helped in understanding the strain accumulation and distribution along Chaman Fault System from surface to subsurface.