Neotectonic evolution of the Avawatz Mountains, southern Death Valley, California

Field mapping of geologic and surficial deposits within the northeastern Avawatz piedmont was conducted to investigate the interaction of the southern Death Valley fault zone with the Garlock/Mule Spring fault zone south of the Salt Spring Hills and to assess the style, timing and kinematics of Quaternary deformation.; Interaction with the Mule Spring fault zone has resulted in the formation of dextral reverse motion along the southern Death Valley fault zone, forcing the zone to behave as a critical wedge. Longitudinal and topographic profiles document the progressive influence of the southern Death Valley fault zone, and suggest an increase in magnitude and decrease in age of deformation from north to south along the range front. Variations in kinematics of the Mule Spring fault zone along the range front suggest the presence of a fault asperity between the Avawatz and the Salt Spring Hills.