RECONNAISSANCE FOR ACTIVE/SEISMOGENIC STRUCTURES ALONG THE WESTERN MALIBU COASTLINE, CALIFORNIA

Mark Millard,

Baylor University, Geology Department,

Waco, Texas

[email protected]

The region surrounding the Santa Monica Mountains in California constitutes a heavily populated area that is currently seismically active. Seismic activity in the past has resulted in extensive damage to structures and loss of lives. Recent geologic maps and reports suggest that active faulting is a result of movement along the Malibu Coast Fault Zone, however recent focal mechanism solutions suggest that seismic activity in the Santa Monica Mountains is not entirely associated with the Malibu Coast Fault Zone.

The purpose of my research will be to use a unique set of near-shore marine geophysical data, multibeam bathymetric data, a digital elevation model (DEM) of topography exposed above sea level, earthquake focal mechanism solutions, and geologic field work to locate and characterize previously unmapped active faults on and offshore along the eastern Malibu coastline of California. Identification and characterization of these faults will result in an increased awareness of seismic hazards in the area and allow for a reassessment of the active tectonics of the Santa Monica Mountains.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90060©2006 AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid