Structural-tectonic analysis of northern Dixie Valley, Nevada

Abstract

Structural-tectonic and surficial geologic studies of northern Dixie Valley, Nevada, using photogeologic methods, indicate the valley is a complex asymmetric graben bounded by high-angle Basin and Range faults. The graben asymmetry is the expression of a main fault system bounding the northwest side of the valley and several step faults bounding the southeast side. The surficial geology on the valley floor expresses the asymmetric graben model. Re-activation of pre- Basin and Range faults and Basin and Range faulting may be in response to late Cenozoic regional extension below the Moho. The extension may result in decoupling of the upper crust by listric normal faulting, tilting of mountain blocks, and graben formation.