The 180-km-long Meers-Willow fault system in the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen: A potential U.S. mid-continent seismic hazard

Abstract We integrate new high-resolution aeromagnetic data with seismic reflection data, well logs, satellite remote sensing, and field observations to provide a regional view of buried exposed structures in the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen assess their potential for future seismicity. Trends ranging from NW–SE ~E–W, peaking at 330° ± 4.5° 280° 3°, dominate magnetic lineaments Aulacogen, reflecting basement contacts, dikes, faults, including previously unmapped ~100-km-long fault, which is herein referred as Willow fault. The fault disrupts, truncates, vertically offsets basement-related reflectors overlying Paleozoic strata up through Permian reflectors. Surface deformation along trend includes fault-parallel monoclinal folds, pervasive fractures, fracture-hosted mud dikes evaporite units. These indicate or post-Permian reactivation Along-strike, connects NW-trending, seismically active Meers Fault comprise ~180-km-long Meers-Willow system, potentially represents major hazard Aulacogen. slip analyses mapped traces show that hazards are elevated where faults have steeper dips. Given some uncertainty stress state, we also E–W trending vary considerably within range. propose system originated Cambrian aulacogen-scale, basement-rooted was later reactivated left-lateral strike-slip (with ~40 km displacement) during late Ancestral Rocky Mountain orogeny, highlighting lateral offset accommodated component orogen.