Brader, Martin, Garrett, Ed, Melnick, Daniel et al. (1 more author) (2021) Sensitivity of tidal marshes as recorders of major megathrust earthquakes: constraints from the 25 December 2016 Mw 7.6 Chiloé earthquake, Chile. Journal of Quaternary Science. pp. 991-1002. ISSN 0267-8179
Abstract
We present evidence of land-level change resulting from the 2016 Mw 7.6 Chiloé earthquake from tidal wetlands along the southern coastline of Isla de Chiloé, Chile, to test criteria for the detection of low-level, <0.1 m, coseismic land-level change. In order to record coseismic land-level change in tidal wetland sediments, both the creation and preservation thresholds must be exceeded. High-resolution diatom analyses of sediment blocks at two tidal marshes reveal that the 2016 earthquake exceeded the creation threshold and a statistically significant change in diatom assemblage is recorded. In contrast, the preservation threshold was not exceeded and the record of coseismic land-level motion is not preserved at any location visited. After nine months, interseismic and coseismic changes are statistically indistinguishable. The most sensitive part of the tidal wetland is not consistent between research locations, possibly as a result of changes in sedimentation after the earthquake. We compare records of change from great earthquakes in Alaska with the record from the Chiloé earthquake to explore the detection limit. We propose that coastal palaeoseismological records are highly likely to underestimate the frequency of major (Mw 7–8) earthquakes, with important implications for recurrence intervals and assessment of future seismic hazards.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2021 The Authors. |
Keywords: | diatoms,Holocene,micropalaeontology,sea-level changes,South America |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Environment and Geography (York) |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 06 Jul 2021 16:30 |
Last Modified: | 16 Oct 2024 17:41 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1002/jqs.3323 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1002/jqs.3323 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:175964 |