Abstract
We develop an algorithm to measure densely-spaced vertical offsets along
a scarp-like feature, and apply it to end-glacial fault-scarps (EGFs) in
Fennoscandia, a stable-continental region (SCR). We find significant
variability in apparent vertical offsets, and develop an equation to
estimate the uncertainty (1σ) for a given average offset and number of
measurements. We calculate the slip-to-length ratios for the faults,
assuming their fault-scarps were formed in a single earthquake, and find
that these ratios are up to ten times higher than found in rapidly
deforming regions, which have been more studied. We find potential
magnitudes of the earthquakes that formed these scarps were M7-8.2. We
suggest that slip-variability along ruptures could be higher than often
assumed, which means paleoseismological results should have larger
uncertainty, but reduces in a predictable way with increase in number of
measurements, and at least 5 measurements should be taken. We also
suggest that the slip-to-length ratio used to simulate earthquakes in
SCRs should be 7.5±2x10^-5, in comparison with the Wells and
Coppersmith value of roughly 2±0.5x10^-5.