Focal mechanism of the August 1, 1975 Oroville earthquake

Abstract

Long-period teleseismic P and S waves from the WWSS and Canadian networks are modeled to determine the focal parameters for the main shock in the Oroville earthquake series. Using the techniques of P first motions, wave-form synthesis, and phase identification, the focal parameters are determined as follows: dip 65°; rake −70°; strike 180°; depth 5.5 ± 1.5km; moment 5.7 ± 2.0 × 10^(24) dyne-cm; and a symmetric triangular time function 3 sec in duration. This is a north-south striking, westward dipping, normal fault with a small component of left-lateral motion. The time separation between the small foreshock and mainshock appears to be 6.5 sec at teleseismic distances, rather than 8.1 sec as observed at short distances.

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