Geophysical studies of the Lavic Lake fault, Lavic Lake playa, California

This study uses geophysical techniques to evaluate evidence of previous movement on the Lavic Lake fault, Mojave Desert, southern California. Of primary interest in this thesis is the southwest section of Lavic Lake playa. The preferred interpretation of geophysical data is that basalt buried beneath part of the playa has an irregular topography, inconsistent with an undisturbed lava flow. Geophysical data confirmed the presence of unusual buried features in close proximity to the Lavic Lake fault. Seismic refraction revealed the possibility that buried or absent basalt somehow influenced the morphology of the 1999 Hector Mine earthquake rupture. Most basalt is found at considerable depths. Observations lead to several kinematic models. The fissure flow model uses the depth of the basalt to suggest that the Lavic Lake fault was once host to a fissure flow that erupted the basalt found along the Lavic Lake fault. Faulting has since altered surficial topography.