A Geo-referenced 3D model of the Juan de Fuca Slab and associated seismicity

Data Series 633
By: , and 

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Abstract

We present a Geographic Information System (GIS) of a new 3-dimensional (3D) model of the subducted Juan de Fuca Plate beneath western North America and associated seismicity of the Cascadia subduction system. The geo-referenced 3D model was constructed from weighted control points that integrate depth information from hypocenter locations and regional seismic velocity studies. We used the 3D model to differentiate earthquakes that occur above the Juan de Fuca Plate surface from earthquakes that occur below the plate surface. This GIS project of the Cascadia subduction system supersedes the one previously published by McCrory and others (2006). Our new slab model updates the model with new constraints. The most significant updates to the model include: (1) weighted control points to incorporate spatial uncertainty, (2) an additional gridded slab surface based on the Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) Surface program which constructs surfaces based on splines in tension (see expanded description below), (3) double-differenced hypocenter locations in northern California to better constrain slab location there, and (4) revised slab shape based on new hypocenter profiles that incorporate routine depth uncertainties as well as data from new seismic-reflection and seismic-refraction studies. We also provide a 3D fly-through animation of the model for use as a visualization tool.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A Geo-referenced 3D model of the Juan de Fuca Slab and associated seismicity
Series title Data Series
Series number 633
DOI 10.3133/ds633
Edition Originally Posted December 2, 2011; Version 1.1: October 3, 2012; Version 1.2: April 29, 2013
Year Published 2011
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Earthquake Science Center, Menlo Park Science Center
Description Readme File; Animation Folder; Map; Data Folder; Metadata Folder
Country Canada;United States
State British Columbia;California;Oregon;Washington
Other Geospatial Juan De Fuca Slab
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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