Evolution of crustal deformation in the northeast–central Japanese island arc: Insights from fault activity

Abstract

We evaluated fault activity in northeast–central Japan based on fault orientation, regional stress field, and slip tendency analysis for active and non-active faults (i.e. faults for which Quaternary activity has not been identified). Slip tendency is generally higher along active faults than non-active faults, although a high slip tendency was observed along some non-active faults, indicating their potential to become active. The potential for fault activity along non-active faults can be modeled using the temporal evolution from non-active to active during long-term crustal deformation. The density of potentially active faults varies spatially across the study areas and reflects the temporal evolution of crustal deformation in northeast–central Japan.