A New Model for the Growth of Faults

G-35 A NEW MODEL FOR THE GROWTH OF FAULTS Summary 1 Conventional fault growth models suggest that faults become larger due to systematic increases in both maximum displacement and length. We propose an alternative growth model where fault lengths are established from an early stage and growth is achieved mainly by increases in cumulative displacement. The model is tested by analysis of fault displacement variations observed in 3D seismic surveys for areas of synsedimentary faulting where sedimentation rates exceed fault displacement rates thereby preserving fault growth histories. The model reconciles the scaling properties of faults and earthquakes and predicts a