Locked Fault
By Earthquake Hazards Program
2021 (approx.)
Detailed Description
Diagram of a locked fault showing the shortening and uplift at a coastline. A locked fault is a fault that is not slipping because frictional resistance on the fault is greater than the shear stress across the fault (it is stuck). Such faults may store strain for extended periods that is eventually released in an earthquake when frictional resistance is overcome.
Sources/Usage
Image courtesy of Geological Survey of Canada