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…..