San Andreas Fault: Tectonic Environment and Seismicity

Abstract

San Andreas fault is the dominating active tectonic feature of the western United States and reflects a far-reaching and long-lasting stress system. Despite continuity within the continent, however, abrupt changes in tectonic style at the continental border suggest mechanical decoupling between continental and oceanic blocks. The mechanical relationship between the San Andreas fault system and deep-ocean features such as fracture zones and the east Pacific Rise represents the most challenging tectonic problem of western North America.

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