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Crustal structure across the San Andreas Fault at the SAFOD site from potential field and geologic studies

January 1, 2004

We present newly compiled magnetic, gravity, and geologic datasets from the Parkfield region around the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) pilot hole in order to help define the structure and geophysical setting of the San Andreas Fault (SAF). A 2‐D cross section of the SAF zone at SAFOD, based on new, tightly spaced magnetic and gravity observations and surface geology, shows that as drilling proceeds NE toward the SAF, it is likely that at least 2 fault bounded magnetic slivers, possibly consisting of magnetic granitic rock, serpentinite, or unusually magnetic sandstone, will be encountered. The upper 2 km of the model is constrained by an order of magnitude increase in magnetic susceptibility at 1400 m depth observed in pilot hole measurements. NE of the SAF, a flat lying, tabular body of serpentinite at 2 km depth separates two masses of Franciscan rock and truncates against the SAF.

Publication Year 2004
Title Crustal structure across the San Andreas Fault at the SAFOD site from potential field and geologic studies
DOI 10.1029/2003GL019363
Authors D.K. McPhee, R.C. Jachens, C. M. Wentworth
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Geophysical Research Letters
Index ID 70026968
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse