Estimation of fault-scarp ages from a scarp-height–slope-angle relationship

Abstract

Research Article| January 01, 1979 Estimation of fault-scarp ages from a scarp-height–slope-angle relationship R. C. Bucknam; R. C. Bucknam 1U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado 80225 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar R. E. Anderson R. E. Anderson 1U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado 80225 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1979) 7 (1): 11–14. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1979)7<11:EOFAFA>2.0.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation R. C. Bucknam, R. E. Anderson; Estimation of fault-scarp ages from a scarp-height–slope-angle relationship. Geology 1979;; 7 (1): 11–14. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1979)7<11:EOFAFA>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract The age of fault scarps in unconsolidated deposits is commonly estimated by several criteria such as the extent of dissection, amount of rounding of the crest of the scarp, and the slope of the face of the scarp. To provide a more quantitative basis for evaluating the ages of fault scarps in western Utah, we have measured numerous profiles across late Quaternary fault scarps and studied the relationship between scarp height, slope angle, and age. Well-defined curves delineated by the data suggest that for a given age, (1) the slope angle of the scarp is proportional to the logarithm of the scarp height and (2) the slope angle decreases with estimated age for scarps of a given height. Owing to the lack of well-determined ages for the scarps studied, age assignments are only approximate; the available information provides a means of ranking scarps according to relative geomorphic age within a general age framework for scarps between several thousand and several hundred thousand years old. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.