Which kind of fault is defined by having ruptured during historic times, going back to 1700 in California?

The term "Historic Fault" refers specifically to faults that have experienced rupture events within recorded history, typically defined as the period since 1700 in California. This classification is crucial for understanding seismic hazards, as historic faults have shown to produce significant earthquakes that can affect populated areas. Their documented activity allows geologists to assess risks and implement safety measures effectively.

While "Holocene Fault" may seem similar, it describes faults that have displaced in the Holocene epoch—the last 11,700 years—without specifically correlating to historic records. "Fault Scarp" and "Growth Fault" refer to particular physical characteristics and processes of faults, rather than their rupture history. Understanding the distinctions among these terms is vital for geologists working in seismic risk assessment and land-use planning.