Ve. Langenheim et al., Geophysical constraints on the location and geometry of the Las Vegas Valley Shear Zone, Nevada, TECTONICS, 20(2), 2001, pp. 189-209
We model the basin configuration beneath Las Vegas Valley, Nevada, on the b
asis of gravity, drillhole, and seismic reflection data. We locate and char
acterize the various strands of the Las Vegas Valley Shear Zone (LVVSZ) by
variations in basin thickness beneath the valley. The pre Tertiary bedrock
surface is complex, with subbasins buried beneath the flat alluvial surface
of the valley. We suggest that these basins are formed from transtensional
strain. Subbasins elongated N70(0)W and N50(0)W are interpreted as strike-
slip basins. The deepest subbasin is 5 km west of Frenchman Mountain and st
rikes N40(0)E. This basin probably formed by combined movement on nonparall
el strands of the LVVSZ and an earlier episode of normal faulting. The basi
n thickness map constrains the minimum depth of the inferred detachment fau
lt beneath Las Vegas Valley to at least 4 km. Seismic reflection data do no
t image a detachment fault in the upper 10 km beneath Las Vegas Valley. Our
results also illustrate the utility of gravity in determining basinal stru
ctures and providing a three-dimensional perspective in areas with limited
seismic reflection control.