Paloma Lafuente

Correlation of sedimentary units from grain-size and mineralogic analyses as a tool for constraining trench interpretations in palaeoseismology

In palaeoseismological trench studies, precise correlation of sedimentary units between fault blocks has an unquestionable value for accurately inferring the amounts of coseismic displacement and hence for assessing seismic hazard. A methodology based on laser analysis of particle size and mineralogic composition by X-ray diffraction is proposed in order to strengthen the correlation of sedimentary units in a trench excavated across the Concud Fault (central Iberian Chain, Spain). The surveyed sediments show sharp and multiple lateral facies changes, as well as inconsistent optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages. The results reinforce the correlation based on field inspection of lithologic and sedimentologic features. Moreover, they allow interpretation of rejuvenation of OSL ages of samples in the upthrown fault block, which has been attributed to partial erosion of sedimentary units, as evidenced by their smaller thickness and erosive boundaries. The correlated units are then used to estimate coseismic displacements for three palaeoseismic events.

Geophysical characterization of buried active faults: the Concud Fault (Iberian Chain, NE Spain)

The Concud Fault is a ~14-km-long active fault that extends close to Teruel, a city with about 35,000 inhabitants in the Iberian Range (NE Spain). It shows evidence of recurrent activity during Late Pleistocene time, posing a significant seismic hazard in an area of moderate-to-low tectonic rates. A geophysical survey was carried out along the mapped trace of the southern branch of the Concud Fault to evaluate the geophysical signature from the fault and the location of paleoseismic trenches. The survey identified a lineation of inverse magnetic dipoles at residual and vertical magnetic gradient, a local increase in apparent conductivity, and interruptions of the underground sediment structure along GPR profiles. The origin of these anomalies is due to lateral contrast between both fault blocks and the geophysical signature of Quaternary materials located above and directly south of the fault. The spatial distribution of anomalies was successfully used to locate suitable trench sites and to map non-exposed segments of the fault. The geophysical anomalies are related to the sedimentological characteristics and permeability differences of the deposits and to deformation related to fault activity. The results illustrate the usefulness of geophysics to detect and map non-exposed faults in areas of moderate-to-low tectonic activity where faults are often covered by recent pediments that obscure geological evidence of the most recent earthquakes. The results also highlight the importance of applying multiple geophysical techniques in defining the location of buried faults.

Morphotectonics of the Concud Fault (Iberian Chain, Spain): Comparing Geomorphic and Geologic Indices of Activity of an Intraplate Extensional Fault

Abstract The results of geomorphic analysis of the Concud fault-generated mountain front (central Iberian Chain, Spain) are introduced into classifications of fault activity proposed by previous authors, and compared with slip rates calculated from geologic markers. The Concud fault is an extensional structure active since the mid Pliocene times. It gives rise to a 60 to 120 m high mountain front, where footwall rocks belonging to the Triassic and Jurassic (north-western sector) and Miocene (south-eastern sector) crop out. Conspicuous triangular facets are preserved on Jurassic rocks of the central sector, while short, generally non-incised alluvial fans make the piedmont. The value of the Mountain-front sinuosity index is Smf = 1.24 for the whole mountain front (1.17 and 1.32, respectively, for both segments showing distinct footwall lithology), as obtained by the most conservative procedure. Average valley floor width/height ratios calculated for seventeen gullies crossing the fault are Vf = 0.30 (250 m upstream from the fault trace) and Vf = 0.22 (500 m upstream). These geomorphic indices, together with qualitative features of the escarpment and piedmont landscape, indicate ‘moderate’ to ‘rapid’ fault activity. The range of slip rates estimated from such morphotectonic classification (0.03 to 0.5 mm/y) encloses the range calculated from offset Late Pliocene and Pleistocene stratigraphic markers (0.07 to 0.33 mm/y). Nevertheless, the highest potential slip rate (0.5 mm/y) clearly represents an overestimate: the mountain front could give the impression of an anomalously high level of activity owing to episodic rejuvenation caused by base level drop.