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.