Creep meter

Abdul Jalil Khan

2k17-FT-MSC-STR-08
 Creep meter
A creep meter is an instrument that
monitors the slow surface displacement of
an active geologic fault in the earth.
 Creep meter
Use
Its function is to record the slow, aseismic creep
between earthquakes. The measurement range of
a creep meter is usually limited to 10–30 mm.
Approximately 40 creep meters are in operation
in California—most are operated by the United
States Geological Survey (USGS), but nine are
maintained by the University of Colorado.
 Creep meter
What is aseismic creep?
In geology, aseismic creep or fault creep is measurable
surface displacement along a fault in the absence of
notable earthquakes. Example of aseismic creep on
next slide.
Creep meter
 Creep meter
How it works?
• A creep meter measures fault slip by recording the
displacement between 2 piers or monuments located on
opposite sides of the fault, spaced 30 meters apart. Typically,
an invar wire (or a graphic rod) is anchored to one pier and is
stretched across the fault. Its displacement relative to the
second pier is measured electronically and checked
periodically with a mechanical measurement. Using the angle
of the wire from the strike of the fault, the change in distance
between the two piers is directly proportionally to fault slip.
 Creep meters
Set up of a rod type creep meter
 Creep meters
How it works?
• Because the piers are anchored to about 2 meters
depth, they are subject to the influence of seasonal
(winter) rainfall. Many of the creepmeters show an
annual cycle due to the wetting and drying of the
near-surface materials within the fault zone. In
addition, creep is influenced by large rainfall events
and nearby earthquakes.
 Creep meter
Schematic diagram of working of creep meter. As the
wire get stretched its elongations are measured to
estimate the creep.
 Creep meter
The measuring scale measures the elongations in
mm or cm.
Thank You…..

Any Q…?