Low strain rate Intraplate SEISMOgenic sources: Surface and sub-surface deformation interpretation and characterization of fault REACTivation during the Quaternary

SEISMO REACT aims to investigate Quaternary active faults, surface deformation, and the reactivation of large potential seismic sources in an intraplate setting, by combining data from geology, geomorphology, geophysics, and geochronology, in particular by applying a new method using trapped charges (Luminescence and Electron Spin Resonance) to investigate fault gouge geochronology and timings of fault activity. The seismogenic reactivation of older structures in an intraplate setting is a known tectonic condition worldwide, impacting Europe, Australia, Africa, and North America. Furthermore, it is known that fault stress changes can be induced by climate change processes and seismic triggering, interfering with the tectonic strain and impacting seismic cycle patterns, deformation rates, and even the structure’s kinematics. Altogether, these questions prompt an understanding of the occurrence of reactivation episodes and their timings. Hence, investigating the timings and possible regional mechanisms and the propensity of reactivation of seismic sources at intraplate settings is a pertinent research project. The targeted study area is Southwest Portugal, an area with quaternary deformation and younger and older structures reactivated, which is an ideal natural laboratory. The methodology developed if successful can be transferable to intraplate settings in Europe and elsewhere, investigating Quaternary activity in reactivated inherited faults with long recurrence periods. Results can be integrated into seismic hazard analysis and natural hazards management, boosting society’s resilience in a world gradually exposed to stronger and more frequent climate events, a possible mechanism for impacting regional changes in the fault stresses. SEISMO REACT will be based at the Institute Dom Luiz, University of Lisbon supervised by Prof Custódio, and a secondment in the Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics, supervised by Prof Tsukamoto regarding the ESR geochronology.