Crustal strain measurements in Nevada

abstract Strain measurements at two sites in central Nevada, Round Mountain and Mina, indicate that, in this area of the Basin and Range, strain rates are less than 2 × 10−6 per year. These observations are in agreement with estimated spreading rates and geodetic measurements in the Great Basin. The general agreement between strain-meter observations at Round Mountain and nearby focal mechanism solutions suggests that we are observing strain accumulation in this area. The long-term strain at Mina is more variable, but generally agrees with earthquake focal mechanism solutions. The strain rate, in conjunction with the high seismicity of the Mina area, suggests that strain has already accumulated and is presently being released through inelastic processes.