8 Multidisciplinary studies of fault and earthquake hazard in low-strain environments: Applications to the Intermountain West region (Posters)

This session invites contributions that aim to characterize earthquake hazard within the low-strain Intermountain West region. We encourage abstracts that span field-based paleoseismology and geophysical studies and are particularly interested in interdisciplinary investigations.

Monday, 18 May 2026
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Alvarado D/E

Does the Rio Grande Rift Currently Localize Extension?

Paper number: 8-3
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

An important consideration for seismic hazard in the Intermountain West region is the degree to which the Rio Grande Rift localizes extensional strain. Data that can provide insights into the patterns of modern extensional strain distribution include geodesy, seismicity, and topography. Here we compare these datasets from within the Rio Grande Rift to provinces outside, including the Colorado Plateau, Southern Rocky Mountains, and Basin and Range. We find that there is evidence for higher extensional strain rates within the Basin and Range relative to other provinces. The Rio Grande Rift shows little difference between the neighboring Colorado Plateau and Southern Rocky Mountain provinces. These data have implications for both the seismic hazard in the region, as well as the tectonic driver for extension within the Intermountain West region.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 4

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026RM-410598

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