Structural and Fluid-Chemical Properties of Active Normal Faults

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Recent work by the PI's and others has shown that the role of fluids in the deformation of earth's crust is extremely important and yet imperfectly understood. The interaction of fluids with active deformation zones (faults) is a profitable area for research because many of the fault rocks contain evidence, in the form of fluid inclusions, for the physical and chemical conditions that prevailed during faulting. This study will test a general hypothesis that the presence and separation of dissolved CO2 in fault zone fluids plays a crucial role in earthquake generation. Two active normal faults in Utah will be used as test sites for the presence of CO2-rich fluids and paleo-fluid pressure gradients. In addition, the relationship between fault zone structure and fluid channels will be quantified. The results will have major impact and our understanding of fluids in fault initiation and propagation processes and will enhance understanding of earthquake mechanisms.