Influence of Structural Maturity on the Rupture Morphology of the Northern Alpine Fault, Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

The Alpine Fault (AF) in Aotearoa New Zealand is a fast-slipping plate boundary fault late in its seismic cycle that presents a major source of seismic hazard. Past earthquakes have created a structural-geomorphic record of surface ruptures that we map and analyze for the northern AF using 1,000 (Formula presented.) of Light Detection and Ranging data and field studies. Mapped surface structures (n = (Formula presented.) 4,500) are classified as either Principal Fault Traces (PFTs), Distributed Alpine Fault Traces (DAFTs), Secondary Active Faults, or Secondary Structures (SSs). Derivation of quantitative metrics including PFT and DAFT zone widths, fault trace corrugation, and topographic sin..