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Seismological evidence on the geometry of the Orogenic System in central‐northern Ecuador (South America)
Author(s) -
Guillier B.,
Chatelain J.L.,
Jaillard É.,
Yepes H.,
Poupinet G.,
Fels J.F.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2001gl013257
Subject(s) - geology , induced seismicity , paleogene , tectonics , plate tectonics , compression (physics) , seismology , deformation (meteorology) , paleontology , buttress , cretaceous , oceanography , archaeology , geography , materials science , composite material
Analysis of the spatial distribution of seismicity beneath central Ecuador from a temporary network gives new insights on two main points of the Ecuadorian tectonics. Major structures in the Ecuadorian Andes are East‐dipping Late Jurassic to Paleogene sutures reactivated by present‐day compression. The oceanic plate is plunging continuously down to a depth of about 200 km with a dip of 25°–35°. We also show that the coastal plain acts as a buttress transmitting stresses to the Andes, beneath which deformation is concentrated.