ACTIVE FAULTS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA WITH EMPHASIS ON ACTIVE GEOMORPHIC FEATURES OF BUKIT TINGGI REGION

Abstract

In this paper, we summarize the results of recent geomorphic investigations of active faults in Peninsular Malaysia with emphasize on Bukit Tinggi region using IFSAR and field verification. The evidences for active faulting, and their characteristics are discussed. Several fault segments within the Bukit Tinggi fault zone are deemed active. The Bukit Tingg fault zone is considered to be active and is a potential source of future earthquakes. Outside Bukit Tinggi area, the Benus and Karak faults are also deemed active. These fault zones show the following active neotectonic geomorphic features: 1) displays geomorphic features indicative of recent fault activity; 2) show evidence for displacement in young (Late Quaternary) deposits or surfaces; and/or 3) is associated with a pattern of microearthquakes suggestive of an active faults. They were ancient faults that were reactivated in the Quaternary period and continued into the present. The magnitude of paleoearthquake estimated from the activity and stream offsets suggest a minimum of 6 magnitude on the Richter scale have affected the region due to movements along these faults. Over the past decades, Peninsular Malaysia has experienced mild earthquakes. Virtually all earthquakes recorded in Peninsular Malaysia are under magnitude 5.0. However, the regognition of active faults exhibiting active tectonic landforms suggestes that these faults have produced damaging earthquakes before and have potential to trigger similar tremors in the future.

Keywords

• Active faults
• earthquakes
• paleoearthquakes
• Bukit Tinggi
• tectonic landform.