A transverse fault in an extended terrane, the Currant Summit Fault, Nevada

Transverse faults in extensional terranes strike parallel to subparallel to the extension direction, are laterally continuous, and terminate abruptly. Problems of transverse faults are addressed by analysis of the Currant Summit fault, an east-west striking fault in east-central Nevada; Mapping of rock units and structures allowed determination of the net slip along the Currant Summit fault. The slip was calculated from an offset anticlinal hinge. Motion is normal-left oblique with horizontal offset of 3300 m, throw of 1950 m and heave of 70 m. Geometric calculations and field data constrain the fault dip to ∼87° N; The name oblique-slip barrier transfer fault is proposed to describe this type of fault. The oblique-slip barrier transfer fault: segments extensional provinces; may be part of a larger transfer or accommodation zone; prohibits normal fault propagation; and allows normal faults to transfer slip onto the transverse fault