Active Deformation at Canyonlands National Park: Distribution of Displacements across the Grabens Using Spaceborne Geodesy

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

2003

Abstract

The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah is a unique geologic region in which gravitationally induced extension can be observed. Prior to our study, knowledge of Canyonlands deformation rates was limited to long term geologic averages between 2 mm/yr and 2 cm/yr that assumed spatial and temporal uniformity. Our research utilizes two geodetic techniques, Global Positioning System (GPS) and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), to observe a clearer picture of current deformation rates across the entire study area. Results indicate relative regional subsidence of up to 3 mm/yr within the graben system. The interferograms additionally show spatially varied rates of horizontal deformation, with a maximum rate of deformation (6 mm/yr) near the eastern margin of the faulted region. Observations of deformation along several profiles support prior modeling efforts that suggest basal salt flow regulates overburden deformation.

Comments

Publisher: University of Southern California

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