Gulf of California 2015, Leg 7 – Seafloor Faults

The research goal on this leg is to investigate seafloor deformation associated with tectonic motion along potentially young active faults on the continental margin off northern Baja California.

The faults on the continental margin off northern Baja California are the offshore extensions of tectonic faults that cross the northern Baja California peninsula or run parallel to the peninsula. Geologic evidence shows that these faults have been active in recent times onshore, but little is known abouit the seismic activity of the offshore extensives. The faults are believed to be part of a system of faults that extends northward, crossing the U.S.-Mexico border west of Tijuana and continuing offshore past Los Angeles, California. The faults in this system may constitute a significant seismic and tsunamic hazard extending from Ensenada to Los Angeles.

Data and samples collected by this team will be used to determine the age of fault slippage and to investigate the processes that are modifying the seafloor in these fault zones.

Logbook

A well-oiled machine

Over the last 10 days, we got into a very efficient groove that required coordination of everyone onboard the Western Flyer. We conducted two ROV dives each day, collecting as many cores as we can, given the time we have on the seafloor.

Mysterious rock mounds

Today we explored the San Clemente Fault Bank and were intrigued by what we found. Along the fault, we found a vast expanse of rock mounds made of some kind of precipitated mineral.

Fault system off northern Baja California

Today we explored another section of the fault system off northern Baja California that had been previously mapped with MBARI’s AUV. The AUV mapping surveys were conducted in areas where Chief Scientist Charlie Paull suspected that faults are present.

Understanding offshore faults

Offshore faults are important sources of earthquakes and associated tsunamis. To investigate the occurrence of offshore faults, marine geologists look for two kinds of evidence.

Sampling sediment at Coronado Canyon

On this expedition we are exploring the offshore extensions of tectonic faults that cross the northern Baja California peninsula or run offshore parallel to the Baja peninsula and coastline of Southern California.

Research legs

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