Recent Vertical Crustal Movements: The Eastern United States

摘要

This report describes the more significant accomplishments of the research program to investigate leveling evidence for recent vertical movements of the crust in the eastern U.S. and their implications for seismic hazard evaluation and earthquake prediction. Since its initiation, good progress has been made in both the acquisition and interpretation of releveling information. Essentially all of the available data in the eastern U.S. has been compiled in a format directly amenable to geodynamic analysis. The analytical approach to the problem consists of two distinct phases. First, the reliability of the leveling observations is evaluated using standard geodetic procedures, as well as new techniques and interpretive criteria developed by the group. Second, when warranted, the leveling evidence is integrated with other geophysical and geological information to determine their implications for neo-tectonic activity, with emphasis on seismic phenomena.