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Title: Vertical crustal movements in seismically active areas of the United States from leveling observations

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5365516

Analyses of precise leveling observations from seismically active areas in the US reveal evidence of rapid vertical movements associated with a variety of tectonic processes. Leveling has been used effectively to monitor movements associated with all phases of the earthquake cycle in regions characterized by normal or thrust type faulting. In areas of recent volcanic activity, leveling observations of crustal deformation have aided in the delineation of subsurface magmatic activity and the physical processes operating within active volcanoes. Leveling measurements have detected isostatic movements due to the removal of surface loads. Aseismic regional deformations, although still poorly understood, have also been detected by leveling observations. These results are quite similar to those obtained in other areas of the world when considered in terms of tectonic setting. Examination of the historic geodetic record shows that rapid elevation changes have occurred within the Rio Grande rift near Socorro, New Mexico, in the Diablo Plateau region of Trans-Pecos Texas, and within the Expanola basin in northern New Mexico. The Socorro area is characterized by uplift relative to its surroundings. Repeated leveling surveys in southwestern Montana, the western portion of Yellowstone National Park, and the Snake River Plain provide information on the pattern of relative vertical crystal movements throughout this region.

Research Organization:
Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (USA)
OSTI ID:
5365516
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English