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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Pacific Section of AAPG

Abstract


Structural Geology of the Sacramento Basin: 1992 Pacific Section Annual Convention, 1992
Pages 27-40

The Midland Fault System, Southern Sacramento Basin, California

Miles W. Pepper, Dane S. Johnson

Abstract

Upper Cretaceous and Paleogene sedimentation in the southern Sacramento Basin has resulted in the formation of a north-south trending growth fault system, the Midland Fault System, along the eastern flank of the depositional basin. The Midland Fault is the dominant growth fault of this syndepositional fault system. Three major growth faults branch off toward the northwest from the Midland Fault in the northern portion of the system. Northeast stepping en echelon faults form the northern termination of the Midland Fault. Numerous synthetic and antithetic normal faults emanate obliquely from, or parallel to, the major growth faults throughout the system’s 55-mile length.

Tectonic activity along the Midland Fault System occurred in three phases: 1) Late Cretaceous, 2) middle Paleocene, and 3) late Paleocene through Eocene. Syndepositional fault movement is documented by an abrupt basinward increase in stratigraphic thickness across the fault system, a rollover of beds into the faults, and a counter-regional thickening of strata on the downthrown side of the faults. Average vertical throw of the Upper Cretaceous and Paleogene strata increases with depth, demonstrating progressive growth fault movement through time. Movement along the fault system probably ceased during Oligocene time, as the faults do not appear to offset Oligocene sediments within the Markley submarine canyon.


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