The 2019 Le Teil surface-rupturing earthquake along the La Rouvière Fault within the Cévennes fault system (France): What does paleoseismology reveal?

Paleoseismological investigations reveal that the La Rouvière Fault (LRF) within the Cévennes fault system (CFS) experienced at least one surface-rupturing earthquake between 13.5 and 3.3 thousand years ago, challenging the assumption that it was inactive since the Oligocene. Additionally, evidence suggests a possible earlier event in the northern segment during the 16th century. The study, which analyzed Quaternary deposits to identify paleo-ruptures, highlights the fault's potential for recurring seismic activity and underscores the need for further investigations along other segments of the CFS.

Ritz, J.-F., Baize, S., Cathelin, N., Thomasset, C., Riesner, M., Hannouz, E., Ferry, M., Larroque, C., Audin, L., Bollinger, L., Manchuel, K., Sue, C., Vergniault, C., Rizza, M., Jomard, H., Arroucau, P., & Le Roux-Mallouf, R. (2022). The 2019 Le Teil surface-rupturing earthquake along the La Rouvière Fault within the Cévennes fault system (France): What does paleoseismology reveal? E3S Web of Conferences, 342, 4001. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202234204001