Role of Large-Scale Tectonic Forces in Intraplate Earthquakes of Central and Eastern North America

Ghosh, Attreyee and Holt, William E. and Bahadori, Alireza (2019) Role of Large-Scale Tectonic Forces in Intraplate Earthquakes of Central and Eastern North America. In: GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS, 20 (4). pp. 2134-2156.

PDF geo_geo_geo_20-4_2134_2019.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (15MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Central and eastern United States (CEUS) have experienced large intraplate earthquakes. Yet, at present there is no comprehensive model to explain stresses, strain, and seismicity in this intraplate setting. Models to explain the intraplate stresses in CEUS include glacio-isostatic adjustment, ridge push effects, local stresses along preexisting fracture zones, and large-scale convection. In this paper, we present a self-consistent model of the dynamics of CEUS that explains the stress field responsible for these intraplate earthquakes. The earthquakes represent slow, ongoing deformation associated with forces arising from a combination of lithosphere topography and structure, together with the effects of density-driven mantle flow. Using GPS data, we calculate strain rates that are likely to arise from tectonic effects and conclude that intraplate strain rates associated with tectonic effects are unlikely to exceed 1 x 10(-9) year(-1). We test several models of lateral viscosity variations by comparing model stress orientation output with earthquake moment tensors, SHmax directions from stress inversion, and P axes of earthquakes. A model that satisfies stress and earthquake constraints and also strain rate magnitude constraints requires high viscosity (1025 Pa.s) craton and old oceanic lithosphere of the western Atlantic block and weaker (5 x 1024 Pa.s) accreted Appalachian terrane. Other strength contrasts within the lithosphere are likely present. Incorporation of these into future models using constraints from seismology, along with refined geodetic measurements and improved estimates of crust and upper mantle densities, is needed to further refine long-term dynamic models and better evaluate the hazards associated with this very slow, ongoing permanent deformation within the eastern and central United States.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS
Publisher:	AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION
Additional Information:	copyright for this article belongs to AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Centre for Earth Sciences
Date Deposited:	03 Sep 2019 09:32
Last Modified:	03 Sep 2019 09:32
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/63340

Actions (login required)

View Item