Pleistocene–Holoceneout‐of‐sequence faulting along theMedlicott‐WadiaThrust in theNWHimalaya

Abstract

Understanding millennial-scale fault activity and related structural architecture from seismic gaps in active orogens is important for assessment of future seismic risks.

Holocene slip rates and their implications for seismic hazard along the Himalayan Frontal Thrust in western Himalayan Nahan salient

“…Tectonic inferences from the geomorphic analyses are further supported by folding of terraces at the hanging wall of HFT (Figures 5 and 6). These observations are in agreement with many previous studies on the Himalayan fold‐and‐thrust belt (e.g., Dey et al, 2022; Mukul et al, 2007; Thakur et al, 2014; Wesnousky et al, 1999). To estimate deformation rates, we calculated the mean abandonment ages of the Khetpurali terraces T1 (3.4 ± 0.3 ka) and T2 (7.6 ± 0.8 ka; Table 2).…”

“…To estimate slip rate/s on these faults, we need age control of strath surfaces. At least with our new results, we can highlight the difference between the Nahan salient and other western Himalayan transects such as the Kangra recess or the Jammu recess where Holocene out-of-sequence faulting are more prominent along the Medlicott Wadia Thrust (e.g., Dey et al, 2016Dey et al, , 2022Vassallo et al, 2015).…”

“…Transient increase in bedload shear stress and unit stream power in the hanging wall of a thrust is a potential indicator of active tectonics (e.g., Dey et al, 2022; Mugnier et al, 2006; Lavé & Avouac, 2000). Figure 5b illustrates increase in bedload shear stress and unit stream power and decrease in the channel width in a ~2.1 km‐wide section in the hanging wall of the HFT.…”

“…Transient increase in bedload shear stress and unit stream power in the hanging wall of a thrust is a potential indicator of active tectonics (e.g., Dey et al, 2022;Mugnier et al, 2006;Lavé & Avouac, 2000).…”

“…(c) RTK-DGPS profile of the terrace levels and the Khetpurali River corresponds to the southern part of the KA. with many previous studies on the Himalayan fold-and-thrust belt (e.g., Dey et al, 2022;Mukul et al, 2007;Thakur et al, 2014;Wesnousky et al, 1999). To estimate deformation rates, we calculated the mean abandonment ages of the Khetpurali terraces T1 (3.4 ± 0.3 ka) and T2 (7.6 ± 0.8 ka; Table 2).…”