Superfaults

Research Article| July 01, 1997 Superfaults John G. Spray John G. Spray 1Department of Geology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5A3, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information John G. Spray 1Department of Geology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5A3, Canada Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1997) 25 (7): 579–582. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1997)025<0579:S>2.3.CO;2 Article history First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation John G. Spray; Superfaults. Geology 1997;; 25 (7): 579–582. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1997)025<0579:S>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Evidence is presented for a special type of fault characterized by a very large displacement (≥100 m) occurring during a single-slip event at seismogenic velocity (>0.1 m ṁ s−1). I propose that faults formed by this type of behavior be referred to as superfaults. Such faults typically undergo unconstrained (free-surface) dip-slip or reverse-slip movement. Superfaults are associated with scenarios involving high and ultrahigh strain rates, notably (1) coherent rock slides due to slope instability, (2) transient-cavity collapse following hypervelocity impact, and (3) roof-pendant failure during caldera formation. Superfault displacements are estimated to range from 102 to 104 m per single-slip event, with the potential for massive energy release at the sliding interface. Field evidence and calculation indicate that the bulk of this energy is converted to heat through frictional melting. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.