Lateral Variations Across the Southern San Andreas Fault Zone Revealed
from Analysis of Traffic Signals at a Dense Seismic Array
Abstract
We image the shallow seismic structure across the Southern San Andreas
Fault (SSAF) using signals from freight trains and trucks recorded by a
dense nodal array, with a linear component perpendicular to SSAF and two
2D subarrays centered on the Banning Fault (BF) and Mission Creek Fault
(MCF). Particle motion analysis in the frequency band 2-5 Hz shows that
the examined traffic sources can be approximated as moving point sources
that primarily induce Rayleigh waves. Using several techniques, we
resolve strong lateral variations of Rayleigh wave velocities across the
SSAF, including 35% velocity reduction across MCF towards the
northeast. Additionally, we derive Q-values and find strong attenuation
around the BF and MCF. We further resolve 10% mass density reduction
and 45% shear modulus decrease across the MCF. These findings suggest
that the MCF is the main strand of the SSAF in the area with important
implications for seismic hazard assessments.