2.5-D surface deformation of M6.1 earthquake near Mt Iwate detected by SAR interferometry

The two-dimensional displacement vector field on the Earth's surface associated with a large earthquake near Iwate volcano in Japan, was mapped by combining satellite radar interferometry images from two different track directions. The displacement reveals not only large main ruptures, but details of many small faults movement of aftershocks and volcanic earthquakes. The displacements of the aftershock faults coincide with a stress held reorganized by the main earthquake that accelerated the aftershock fault movements. The displacements mimic the topography, suggesting that repeated movements of the same faults in the Quaternary have led to the presently existing topography.