Articles | Volume 10, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-27-2019
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-27-2019
Research article
 | 
11 Jan 2019
Research article |  | 11 Jan 2019

A semi-automated algorithm to quantify scarp morphology (SPARTA): application to normal faults in southern Malawi

Michael Hodge, Juliet Biggs, Åke Fagereng, Austin Elliott, Hassan Mdala, and Felix Mphepo

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Cited articles

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Short summary
This work attempts to create a semi-automated algorithm (called SPARTA) to calculate height, width and slope of surface breaks produced by earthquakes on faults. We developed the Python algorithm using synthetic catalogues, which can include noise features such as vegetation, hills and ditches, which mimic natural environments. We then apply the algorithm to four fault scarps in southern Malawi, at the southern end of the East African Rift system, to understand their earthquake potential.