The Doty Fault Network: 3-D regional deformation applied to seismic
hazard characterization in the forearc of Washington State
Abstract
The upper crust in the forearc of the Cascadia subduction zone hosts a
complex network of faults that accommodate trench-parallel and
trench-normal shortening due to oblique subduction and northward
migration of the Oregon/Washington forearc block. Outside of the Seattle
area, the seismic potential of major faults, as well as how they connect
in a 3-D network, is poorly known. The trench-normal Doty fault, a
major, north-dipping forearc fault crosses the I-5 corridor south of the
Centralia-Chehalis urban area. Its length, orientation, and hypothesized
total offset are comparable to the active Seattle fault, but it is
unclear if the Doty fault poses a similar modern seismic hazard. We
present preliminary results from the Chehalis Basin project (fieldwork
summer 2018). We seek to define the Doty fault’s length, structure, dip,
and linkages with smaller, likely transpressive faults to accommodate
3-D crustal deformation. We investigate possible blind faults south of
the mapped Doty fault, near the site of a proposed flood-control water
retention facility, and present evidence for recent fault activity. A
multi-disciplinary approach is critical for regional investigations
given dense foliage and glacial cover. Thus, we apply aeromagnetic and
ground magnetic data, a regional gravity grid, high-resolution gravity
lines, seismicity from a local broadband network, targeted geologic
mapping, provenance characterization of Quaternary to Neogene sediments,
dating, Lidar interpretation and field reconnaissance of geomorphic
features to our research questions. The aeromagnetic data and prior
geologic mapping suggest the Doty fault connects to unnamed NNW-striking
faults to the west, and our new data will confirm or refute this
hypothesis. Initial mapping and aeromagnetic interpretation suggest
transpressive faults exist NNE of the Doty fault, which together bound a
discrete region of uplift (Lincoln Creek uplift). There is little
seismicity in the region recorded by the PNSN regional seismic network,
and our PASSCAL array will help confirm the existence or absence of
small, local earthquakes that could indicate neotectonic activity.