Trench-parallel ridge subduction controls upper-plate structure and shallow megathrust seismogenesis along the Jalisco-Colima margin, Mexico

The parameters allowing for near-trench megathrust ruptures are debated and commonly involve the presence of site-dependent tectonic factors (e.g. rough subducting topography, amount of sediments), implying the need for direct geophysical observations. Here we use seismic imaging techniques to explo...

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Autores: Prada Dacasa, Manuel, Bartolomé de la Peña, Rafael, Gras Andreu, Clàudia, Bandy, William L., Dañobeitia, Juan José
Formato: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:España
Recursos:Varias* (Consorci de Biblioteques Universitáries de Catalunya, Centre de Serveis Científics i Acadèmics de Catalunya)
Repositorio:Recercat. Dipósit de la Recerca de Catalunya
OAI Identifier:oai:recercat.cat:2445/215076
Acesso em linha:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/215076
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palavra-chave:Geodinàmica
Tectònica de plaques
Geofísica
Sismologia
Mèxic
Geodynamics
Plate tectonics
Geophysics
Seismology
Mexico
Descrição
Resumo:The parameters allowing for near-trench megathrust ruptures are debated and commonly involve the presence of site-dependent tectonic factors (e.g. rough subducting topography, amount of sediments), implying the need for direct geophysical observations. Here we use seismic imaging techniques to explore the mechanisms triggering shallow ruptures in the Rivera subduction zone, along the non-accretionary Jalisco-Colima continental margin, W Mexico, where three large (Mw~8) tsunamigenic megathrust earthquakes occurred in the last century. The seismic image reveals large interplate topographic variations morphologically alike to incoming trench-parallel ridges seaward of the study area. Ridge subduction only occurs along the southern non-accretionary margin of the Rivera system, where past earthquakes released large near-trench coseismic energy, indicating that subducting ridges enhance interplate coupling. Subducting ridges uplift the margin, causing upper-plate fracturing and low rigidity areas. Such elastic structure quantitatively explains the dynamics of slow and tsunamigenic ruptures in the past. We conclude that ridge subduction beneath the Jalisco-Colima continental margin promotes shallow seismogenesis and explains the large tsunamigenic potential of the area.