Hierarchical interlocked orthogonal faulting in the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake sequence

7.1 mainshock nearly 34 hours later. Geodetic, seismic, and seismicity data provided an integrative view of this sequence, which ruptured an unmapped multiscale network of interlaced orthogonal faults. This complex fault geometry persists over the entire seismogenic depth range. The rupture of the mainshock terminated only a few kilometers from the major regional Garlock fault, triggering shallow creep and a substantial earthquake swarm. The repeated occurrence of multifault ruptures, as revealed by modern instrumentation and analysis techniques, poses a formidable challenge in quantifying regional seismic hazards.

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Award: EAR-1818582
• UG
  U.S. Geological Survey

  Award: G19AP00030