An Observational Numerical and Analog Study of Faulting Caused by Bending at Subduction Zones

Columbia University, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

Lithospheric bending may give a fundamentally different window into the processes of fault initiation and development than does lithospheric stretching . The investigators will take advantage of this window by a systematic analysis of bathymetric data and sidescan sonar images for all trenches where data is available. Trenches offer a unique way to relate falut characteristics to the amount of strain required to develop a system of faults. Two-dimensional numerical models will be used to relate lithospheric properties to the observed spacing of faults and the amplitude of their offset.