Deciphering the modern stress field facies in Costa Rica and vicinity from earthquake focal mechanisms and GNSS support
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32685/0120-1425/bol.geol.51.1.2024.680Keywords:
focal mechanism, inversion, stress tensor, permutation, stress orders
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Abstract
A database containing 2547 earthquake focal mechanisms from Costa Rica, southern Nicaragua, and northern Panama is analyzed to model the modern tectonic stress field through inversion. Thirty-three regional stress tensors are derived, revealing the general orientation of the maximum horizontal stress (SH Max) to be sub-parallel to the N 32° E convergence direction of the Cocos plate with the Caribbean plate along the Middle America Trench. A clockwise rotation of approximately ±20° is observed below 30 km depth. Three orders of stress are identified: the first attributed to the absolute motion of the Cocos plate, the second characterized by high magnitude boundary forces from the triple interaction of the Cocos plate with the Caribbean and Nazca plates, and the third due to density contrasts imposed by trench-parallel active volcanic, igneous, and sedimentary mountain ranges. These features, combined with regional faults and their interactions, deflect the local tectonic stress northward. Observed and modelled GNSS data of the NNE-oriented horizontal velocity field correlate well with the direction of interpolated SH Max in the upper layer. These findings along with the local and regional permutations of the stress axes ellipsoid elucidate the interactions of tectonic regimes and their neo-tectonic complications. A detailed 2D-3D scenario is generated, offering realistic seismotectonic boundaries using stress regime categories and the tectonic R' relationship. The results hold significant practical implications for seismic hazard and risk assessment, as well as the exploration and exploitation of natural resources.
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