The odds of a seismic source near Dwarka, NW Gujarat: An evaluation based on proxies
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Date
2003Author
Rajendran, C.P.
Rajendran, K.
Vora, K.H.
Gaur, A.S.
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The Kachchh–Saurashtra region is part of an old rift basin, featuring a number of linear structures, some of them holding potential for occasional M > 7 earthquakes. A challenging question is to identify probable sources of large earthquakes in this region. Recognizing earthquake-generated structures preserved within the geological formations is an effective method to constrain the seismic sources in space and time. During the recent excavations at Bet Dwarka, in the Gulf of Kachchh, we identified a seismically generated sand blow that has disrupted an ancient cultural horizon. The age data suggest that the causative earthquake may have occurred about 2000 years ago. While the source of this earthquake remains to be constrained, its timing seems to be singular; our studies elsewhere in Kachchh have not disclosed any feature of comparable age, as yet. This find opens the possibility for another surprise source, adding a new dimension to the seismic hazard of this region.
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