Evaluation of Seismically Induced Soft Sediment Deformation Structures Vis-à-Vis their Probable Earthquake Sources in Kashmir Basin, NW Himalaya
This study discusses the composition and distribution of paleo-liquefaction structures, their triggering mechanisms, probable source and the dynamics of source faults expressed in the Kashmir basin (KB), NW Himalaya. Stratigraphic evidences of deformational structures along concomitant fault zones are highly preserved throughout the basin. The KB was frequently confronted with recurrent seismic activities along intra basinal active faults and adjacent active faults during differential uplift of Himalaya, which resulted in various deformation structures during and after the evolution of the KB. Past earthquake events released a significant part of the slip deficit along intra basinal active faults and vertically offset quaternary deposits by 1–3[Formula: see text]m and originated different and extensively deformation structures. In this context, stratigraphic sections and paleo-surface ruptures have been meticulously mapped to determine the seismic nature and the source of resultant causative earthquakes. The results of this study suggest that besides southern thrust systems, intrabasinal active faults are the main probable seismogenic sources responsible for development of these structures and play an important role in releasing the accumulated stresses in this region.